Sonata Form

Sonata form:

• has 3 main sections

• consists of: exposition, development, recapitulation

• one of the most common forms in classical and romantic music

The exposition:

• introduces the main themes

• sometimes has an introduction

• consists: main theme; transition that modulates to related key; second theme - can be called 2nd subject or subordinate theme

• can have a closing section often called a CODETTA

• doesn't modulate

The development

• is usually the most unstable/volatile section

• modulates, often quickly

• explores/unravels/extends ideas from the exposition

• sometimes introduces new materials

• stays in one key

The recapitulation

• can sometimes be introduced in the subdominant key so it modulates back to the tonic in the second subject area

• presents the second theme in the tonic key

• can be slightly vaired, either in orchestration, themes, sections

Does this diagram represent sonata form?

• Yes

• No