Chapter 14: Classical Forms: Ternary and Sonata-Allegro

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Chapter 14 Classical Forms Ternary and
Sonata-Allegro
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Ternary Form (ABA)

• Statement Contrast Repetition
• Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star

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Minuet and Trio in Ternary Form

• Minuet Stately dance in triple meter
• Originally a popular dance in the Baroque Era
• Became Listening Music in the Classical Era
• Trio serves as a contrasting (B) section
• Originally only played by three instruments

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Eine kleine Nachtmusik by Mozart (1787)

• Serenade a light, multimovement piece for
  strings or small orchestra
• Movement III Minuetto (pg. 167)

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Sonata-Allegro Form

• Four Movement Form

Movement 1 2 3 4
Form Sonata-allegro ABA, Theme and Variations, or Rondo Minuet in Trio (ABA) Sonata-allegro, Theme and Variations, or Rondo
Mood Serious and substantive despite fast tempo Lyrical and tender Usually light and elegant, sometimes spirited Bright, lighthearted, sometimes humorous
Tempo Fast Slow Lively Fast
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The Shape of Sonata-Allegro Form

• Drama and conflict within a single movement
• Three major sections
• Exposition Presents thematic material
• Opposition and blending of contrasting themes
• Development Thematic material from exposition is
  developed
• Recapitulation Themes return in original order

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Hearing Sonata-Allegro Form

• Keep the sonata-allegro diagram in mind
• Listen for the four distinctive musical styles in
  sonata-allegro form
• Thematic sections States the melodies
• Transition Moves the music forward
• Development Expands musical ideas
• Concluding passages Provides closure
• Eine kleine Nachtmusik, movement I Allegro
  (p.172)
• First theme aggressive, fanfare-like opening
• Second theme quieter, lighter
• Closing theme cheerful

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Overture to Don Giovanni by Mozart

• Sonata-allegro form
• P. 174