Lecture 4 • William E.

Caplin – Classical Form: a theory of formal

functions for the instrumental music of Haydn, Mozart

Aural Analysis and Beethoven (1998)

• Three principal theme types in classical music:

Form and Theme – Caplin
- the sentence
Typically, 8 bars units
- the period

- the hybrid

• Each contains a set of formal functions, which remain

consistent across a large body of classical repertoire
SENTENCE

Presentation Continuation

basic idea repeat fragmentation cadential

Beethoven, Piano Sonata in F minor, Op.2/I, bar 1-8

SENTENCE

Presentation Continuation

basic idea repeat frag sequence sequence cadential

Beethoven, String Quartet in F, Op.135, iii bar 3-10

 SENTENCE
Presentation ______________________ Continuation_________________________

4 bars +4 bars

[no cadence] PAC

HC
IAC
- Melodic idea established - Fragmentation (breaking up of melody)
and repeated (either - Liquidation (removal of characteristic
exactly, or with a similar melodic features)
contour) - Sequential repetition
- Harmonically, chord I is - Accelerated (ie. diminution) surface
emphasised figuration
- Accelerated rate of harmonic rhythm
PERIOD

Antecedent Consequent

basic idea contrasting idea basic idea (exact repeat) contrasting idea

Mozart, Eine kleine Nachtmusik, K. 525, ii, Bars 1-8

 PERIOD
Antecedent ______________________ Consequent _________________________

4 bars +4 bars

HC PAC
IAC

- Usually 2-bar idea + 2-bar contrasting idea - Restatement of initial idea

- Ends with a weak cadence (a half cadence, or (possibly varied in some
an imperfect authentic cadence) way)
-Ends with strong cadence
(altered from first phrase, or
new)
HYBRID

Antecedent Continuation

basic idea contrasting idea new idea cadential

Beethoven, Symphony No.2 in D, Op.36, ii Bars 1-8

 HYBRID
Antecedent ______________________ Continuation _________________________

4 bars +4 bars

HC PAC
IAC HC
IAC
- Usually 2-bar idea + 2-bar contrasting - Fragmentation (breaking up of melody)
idea - Liquidation (removal of characteristic
- Ends with a weak cadence (a half melodic features)
cadence, or an imperfect authentic - Sequential repetition
cadence) - Accelerated (ie. diminution) surface
figuration
- Accelerated rate of harmonic rhythm