III. Sonata Form
III. Sonata Form
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Sometimes called sonata-allegro form
Definition- The form of a single
movement.
Do not confuse with the term sonataused for a whole composition made up of
several movements.
The form consists of 3 main
sections
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Exposition- themes are presented
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Development- themes are treated in new
ways
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Usually labeled with the letter C
Recapitulation- themes return
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Usually labeled with the letters A & B
Letters A & B or sometimes A’ & B’
These sections are often followed by a
concluding section- the coda (Italian for
tail)
C Mozart
T Symphony No. 40 in G Minor, IV
Mt.
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D 1788
S String Orchestra
H G minor
M A- Fast Rushing Notes, B- Tender sweet
melody
R Duple 2/2
F Sonata Form
T Polyphonic
IV. Theme & Variations
IV. Theme & Variations
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Definition- a basic musical idea- the
theme- is repeated over and over and is
changed each time.
Widely used during this period.
Each variation is about the same length,
however it is unique and may differ in
mood.
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Changes in melody, rhythm, harmony,
accompaniment, dynamics, or tone color may
C Haydn
T Symphony No. 94 in G Major, II
Mt.
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D 1791
S Woodwinds, Brass, Perc, Strings
H G Major
M Surprise; Staccatoed melody
R Duple 2/4
F Theme & Variations
T Polyphonic
V. Minuet & Trio
V. Minuet & Trio
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Sometimes simply referred to as Minuet.
Often used as the third movement of
classical symphonies, string quartets, and
other works.
Originated as a dance
First appeared in the court of Louis XIV of
France around 1650
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Danced by aristocrats throughout the 18th
Cent
Minuet for symphony
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This minuet is written for listening, not
dancing.
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Written in triple meter ¾
Usually a moderate tempo
Form: A (minuet), B (trio), A (minuet)
Trio section is usually quieter than the minuet
and also requires fewer instruments
Structurally the simplest movement of a
symphony or string quartet
C Mozart
T Eine Kleine Nachtmusik (A little night
music) III: Minuet
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D 1787
S string serenade; light in mood
H G major
M Stately melody: moves to legato & back
to stately
R Triple 3/4
F ABA
T Polyphonic
VI. Rondo
VI. Rondo
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Many Classical movements are in Rondo
form
Definition- features a tuneful main
theme which returns several times in
alternation with other themes.
Main theme- usually lively, pleasing, and
simple to remember.
Can be used either as an independent
piece or as one movement of a symphony,
string quartet, or a sonata
VI. Rondo
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Often is a finale, because of its liveliness
bringing a sense of conclusion
Rondo form is often combined with
elements of sonata form to produce a
sonata-rondo:
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contains a development section like in sonata
form
Outlined in ABACABA
C Beethoven
T String Quartet in C minor Op18, No. 4
IV Mvt. Rondo
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D 1798-1800
S String Quartet
H A Section C minor & B and C Sections
Major
M Lively; Fast violin; Lyrical Legato Melody
R Duple 2/2
F ABACABA
T Polyphonic
VII. The Classical Symphony
The Classical Symphony
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Definition- an extended, ambitious
composition typically lasting between 20
and 45 minutes. It exploits and expands
the range of tone color and dynamics of
the classical orchestra.
Usually has 4 movements
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Each movement evokes a wide range of
musicians
Typical sequence of movements
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1)
2)
3)
4)
vigorous, dramatic fast movement
lyrical slow movement
dance-like (minuet or scherzo)
brilliant or heroic, fast movement
The Classical Symphony
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Opening movement almost always is fast
and in sonata form, usually the most
dramatic
Second- slow movement- broad song-like
melodies
Third- generally a minuet and trio, or
scherzo
Fourth- often in sonata or sonata-rondo
form, usually fast, lively, or triumphant
depending on the composer
VIII. The Classical Concerto
The Classical Concerto
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Definition- three movement work for an
instrumental soloist and orchestra
Combines virtuosic solo passages with
orchestra’s wide range of tone color and
dynamics
Lasts from 20-45 minutes!
Three movement work
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1) Fast 2) Slow 3) Fast
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No minuet or scherzo
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Often will have a cadenza at the end
where orchestra holds chord while soloist
does a virtuosic passage
C Haydn
T Trumpet Concerto in Eb Major: III Mvt:
Allegro
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D 1796
S Solo Trumpet, Woodwinds, Timpani,
Strings
H Eb Major
M Soft legato string, virtuoso trumpet
R duple 2/4
F Sonata-Rondo (ABA B’ACAB”Coda)
T Homophonic