III. Sonata Form

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III. Sonata Form
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III. Sonata Form

• Sometimes called sonata-allegro form
• Definition- The form of a single movement.
• Do not confuse with the term sonata- used for a
  whole composition made up of several movements.

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The form consists of 3 main sections

• Exposition- themes are presented
• Usually labeled with the letters A B
• Development- themes are treated in new ways
• Usually labeled with the letter C
• Recapitulation- themes return
• Letters A B or sometimes A B
• These sections are often followed by a concluding
  section- the coda (Italian for tail)

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C MozartT Symphony No. 40 in G Minor, IV Mt.

• 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

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IV. Theme Variations
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IV. Theme Variations

• 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.
• Changes in melody, rhythm, harmony,
  accompaniment, dynamics, or tone color may be
  used for change

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C HaydnT Symphony No. 94 in G Major, II Mt.

• D 1791
• S Woodwinds, Brass, Perc, Strings
• H G Major
• M Surprise Staccatoed melody
• R Duple 2/4
• F Theme Variations
• T Polyphonic

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V. Minuet Trio
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V. Minuet Trio

• 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
• Danced by aristocrats throughout the 18th Cent
• Stately, dignified dance for couples

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Minuet for symphony

• This minuet is written for listening, not
  dancing.
• 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

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C MozartT Eine Kleine Nachtmusik (A little night
music) III Minuet

• 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

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VI. Rondo
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VI. Rondo

• 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

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VI. Rondo

• 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
• contains a development section like in sonata
  form
• Outlined in ABACABA

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C BeethovenT String Quartet in C minor Op18, No.
4 IV Mvt. Rondo

• 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

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VII. The Classical Symphony
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The Classical Symphony

• 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.

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Usually has 4 movements

• Each movement evokes a wide range of musicians
• Typical sequence of movements
• 1) vigorous, dramatic fast movement
• 2) lyrical slow movement
• 3) dance-like (minuet or scherzo)
• 4) brilliant or heroic, fast movement

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The Classical Symphony

• 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

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VIII. The Classical Concerto
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The Classical Concerto

• Definition- three movement work for an
  instrumental soloist and orchestra
• Combines virtuosic solo passages with orchestras
  wide range of tone color and dynamics
• Lasts from 20-45 minutes!

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Three movement work

• 1) Fast 2) Slow 3) Fast
• No minuet or scherzo
• Often will have a cadenza at the end where
  orchestra holds chord while soloist does a
  virtuosic passage

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C HaydnT Trumpet Concerto in Eb Major III Mvt
Allegro

• 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 BACABCoda)
• T Homophonic