🎹Music History – 1750 to 1850 Unit 5 – The Sonata: Form and Structure

Key Concepts and Definitions

• Sonata a multi-movement instrumental work for solo instrument or small ensemble typically featuring contrasting themes and keys
• Sonata form the structure of an individual movement within a sonata consisting of exposition, development, and recapitulation sections
• Exposition introduces the main themes and establishes the tonic and dominant keys
• Development explores and manipulates the themes from the exposition often modulating to different keys
• Recapitulation restates the main themes from the exposition in the tonic key providing a sense of resolution
• Coda an optional concluding section that follows the recapitulation and provides a final sense of closure
• Tonic the home key or central tonality of a piece
• Dominant the fifth scale degree above the tonic often used as a contrasting key area in sonata form

Historical Context and Development

• Sonata form emerged in the Classical era (circa 1750-1820) as a key structural principle for instrumental music
• Early sonatas by composers such as Domenico Scarlatti and C.P.E. Bach laid the groundwork for the development of sonata form
• Haydn and Mozart played a crucial role in establishing and refining the conventions of sonata form in their instrumental works
  • Haydn's piano sonatas and string quartets demonstrate a mastery of thematic development and formal structure
  • Mozart's piano sonatas and symphonies showcase his ability to create elegant and expressive works within the sonata form framework
• Beethoven expanded the emotional and dramatic possibilities of sonata form in his groundbreaking compositions
  • Beethoven's piano sonatas (e.g., "Pathétique" and "Moonlight") push the boundaries of the form and explore new levels of musical expression
  • His symphonies (e.g., Symphony No. 5) demonstrate a powerful use of thematic development and formal innovation within the sonata form structure
• Romantic-era composers such as Schubert, Schumann, and Brahms continued to use sonata form while adapting it to their individual styles and expressive goals

Structural Elements of Sonata Form

• Exposition the first major section of sonata form introducing the primary themes and establishing the tonal framework
  • First theme (or primary theme) usually in the tonic key and often assertive or energetic in character
  • Transition (or bridge) modulatory passage that leads from the first theme to the second theme often building tension and anticipation
  • Second theme (or secondary theme) contrasting theme usually in the dominant or relative major key and often more lyrical or expressive than the first theme
  • Closing theme (or codetta) concluding material that reinforces the key of the second theme and provides a sense of closure to the exposition
• Development the middle section of sonata form where the themes from the exposition are explored, manipulated, and transformed
  • Thematic fragmentation breaking down the themes into smaller motifs or ideas for development
  • Harmonic instability modulating to various keys and creating a sense of tension and uncertainty
  • Retransition passage that prepares for the return of the tonic key and the recapitulation
• Recapitulation the final major section of sonata form restating the themes from the exposition in the tonic key
  • First theme returns in the tonic key often with slight variations or embellishments
  • Transition altered to remain in the tonic key rather than modulating
  • Second theme now presented in the tonic key providing a sense of resolution and stability
• Coda an optional concluding section that follows the recapitulation providing a final sense of closure and reinforcing the tonic key

Exposition: Themes and Transitions

• First theme (or primary theme) establishes the tonic key and sets the mood for the movement
  • Often assertive, energetic, or heroic in character (e.g., the opening theme of Beethoven's "Eroica" Symphony)
  • Usually consists of a main melodic idea and supporting material that helps establish the tonic key
• Transition (or bridge) modulatory passage that connects the first theme to the second theme
  • Often builds tension and anticipation through the use of unstable harmonies, sequences, or crescendos
  • Can include thematic material derived from the first theme or introduce new ideas that foreshadow the second theme
• Second theme (or secondary theme) provides a contrast to the first theme in terms of character, key, and melodic material
  • Often more lyrical, expressive, or introspective than the first theme (e.g., the second theme of Mozart's Piano Sonata in C Major, K. 545)
  • Usually in the dominant key (for major-key sonatas) or the relative major key (for minor-key sonatas)
• Closing theme (or codetta) concludes the exposition and reinforces the key of the second theme
  • Often features a sense of arrival or resolution through the use of cadential figures or repetition
  • Can include new thematic material or references to earlier themes from the exposition

Development: Exploring Musical Ideas

• Thematic fragmentation involves breaking down the themes from the exposition into smaller motifs or ideas
  • Composers can isolate specific melodic, rhythmic, or harmonic elements of the themes for closer examination and manipulation
  • Fragmentation allows for a thorough exploration of the musical material and creates a sense of ongoing development
• Harmonic instability is a key feature of the development section as composers modulate to various keys
  • Modulations can be sudden or gradual and often involve keys that are closely related to the tonic (e.g., the relative minor or the subdominant)
  • Harmonic instability creates a sense of tension, uncertainty, and anticipation as the music moves through different tonal areas
• Thematic transformation involves altering the themes from the exposition through various compositional techniques
  • Composers can change the mode (e.g., from major to minor), meter, rhythm, or instrumentation of the themes
  • Thematic transformation allows for a fresh perspective on familiar material and showcases the composer's inventiveness
• Retransition is a passage that prepares for the return of the tonic key and the recapitulation
  • Often features a dominant pedal (a sustained or repeated dominant note) that creates a sense of anticipation and tension
  • Can include fragments of the main themes or new material that helps to smoothly transition back to the tonic key

Recapitulation and Coda

• First theme returns in the tonic key often with slight variations or embellishments
  • Composers may alter the orchestration, dynamics, or phrasing of the theme to create a sense of familiarity and resolution
  • The return of the first theme in the tonic key provides a sense of stability and signals the beginning of the recapitulation
• Transition is altered to remain in the tonic key rather than modulating as it did in the exposition
  • Composers may need to adjust the harmonic progression or melodic material of the transition to accommodate the change in key
  • The altered transition helps to maintain the sense of stability and resolution established by the return of the first theme
• Second theme is now presented in the tonic key providing a sense of resolution and closure
  • Presenting the second theme in the tonic key resolves the tonal conflict established in the exposition and creates a sense of unity
  • Composers may need to adjust the melodic or harmonic material of the second theme to fit the tonic key
• Coda is an optional concluding section that follows the recapitulation and provides a final sense of closure
  • Can range in length from a few measures to an extended passage that develops or expands upon earlier themes
  • Often features a sense of finality or triumph through the use of strong cadences, thematic references, or virtuosic displays

Famous Composers and Their Sonatas

• Haydn known as the "Father of the Symphony" and a key figure in the development of sonata form
  • Piano Sonata in C Major, Hob. XVI:50 demonstrates Haydn's mastery of thematic development and formal structure
  • String Quartet in C Major, Op. 76, No. 3 "Emperor" features a memorable second movement theme that showcases Haydn's gift for melodic invention
• Mozart renowned for his elegant and expressive works in various genres including sonatas
  • Piano Sonata No. 11 in A Major, K. 331 features the famous "Rondo alla Turca" movement that showcases Mozart's playful and inventive spirit
  • Violin Sonata No. 21 in E Minor, K. 304 demonstrates Mozart's ability to create emotionally powerful works within the sonata form framework
• Beethoven a groundbreaking composer who expanded the emotional and dramatic possibilities of sonata form
  • Piano Sonata No. 8 in C Minor, Op. 13 "Pathétique" is a powerful work that showcases Beethoven's innovative approach to sonata form
  • Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-sharp Minor, Op. 27, No. 2 "Moonlight" features a hauntingly beautiful first movement that defies traditional sonata form expectations
• Schubert known for his lyrical and expressive works that bridge the Classical and Romantic eras
  • Piano Sonata No. 21 in B-flat Major, D. 960 is a monumental work that showcases Schubert's gift for melodic invention and emotional depth
  • String Quartet No. 14 in D Minor, D. 810 "Death and the Maiden" features a dramatic and intense second movement that adapts the sonata form to Schubert's expressive needs

Listening Guide and Analysis Tips

• Identify the main themes and their characteristics (e.g., melodic contour, rhythm, harmony) to better understand the structure of the sonata
  • Pay attention to the contrast between the first and second themes in terms of key, character, and melodic material
  • Notice how the themes are developed and transformed throughout the movement, especially in the development section
• Track the harmonic progression and key changes to recognize the different sections of sonata form
  • Identify the tonic key and the dominant or relative major key in the exposition
  • Follow the modulations and harmonic instability in the development section
  • Recognize the return of the tonic key in the recapitulation and the resolution of the second theme
• Listen for the transitions and structural boundaries between sections
  • Pay attention to the transition between the first and second themes in the exposition and how it is altered in the recapitulation
  • Identify the retransition that prepares for the return of the tonic key and the recapitulation
  • Notice how the coda (if present) provides a sense of closure and finality to the movement
• Consider the emotional arc and narrative of the sonata as it unfolds
  • Observe how the composer creates tension, conflict, and resolution through the use of thematic material, harmonic progression, and formal structure
  • Reflect on how the sonata form allows for a compelling musical journey that engages the listener's emotions and intellect
• Compare and contrast different composers' approaches to sonata form to appreciate their individual styles and innovations
  • Analyze how composers like Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, and Schubert adapt the sonata form to their own expressive needs and musical visions
  • Explore how later composers in the Romantic era and beyond continue to use and transform the sonata form in their works