SONATA FORM (BASIC MODEL)

INTRODUCTION

One of the most interesting and flexible forms in music, was developed from the classical period to twentieth century.
We can find sonata forms in first movements of sonata, overtures, symphonies, tone poem or operas.
It is a dramatic form, it means the conflict between two themes that is resolved in the last part of the piece.

LARGE
SCALE DESIGN
HARMONIC
STRUCTURE

EXPOSITION

DEVELOPMENT

RECAPITULATION

//: I---------------------------------- V -------------------V://

I
III or V

//: V------------------------

I------------------------------I ://
i

Principal Tonal Area

Area
Principal Theme

Transition-

Counterstament
or New material

Secondary Tonal

Secondary Theme
Closing theme

Principal Tonal Area TransitionSecondary Tonal Area - Coda

Episodes--------Retransition

I------------------------I I------------------V V----------------V

//: V-----------------------X------------------V
PAC
PAC
HC
Or PAC
HC
TECHNIQUES

FUNCTION
DRAMA

Theme: melody
Transition: progressions

Modulations
Tonicizations
Fragmentation
Sequences

Presentation of the thematic materials in different keys

Elaboration of the materials

Introduction of the characters (PT) (ST)

Conflict

I------------------------------I ://
i------------------------------i
Thematic compression and
expansion
Changes in rhythm, texture an
dynamics
Fusion of the principal theme and
transition
Omission and reordering of the
material
Presentation of the ST in the
Tonic Key. The coda reinforces
the ending of the piece.
Reconciliation