Sonata Form

Sonata form was mainly developed in the classical period. Let's discuss it's structure step by
step.

1. Sonata form consists of three sections.

2. The Exposition and the Recapitulation (recap) are divided into two themes, the 1st Subject
(theme A) and the 2nd subject (theme B). So basically the Exposition is repeated after
the Development, but because it is presented in a slightly different name, it is called the
Recapitulation.

3. Sonata form can be considered as a story line. An introduction or ending (coda) is optional.
4. The Exposition and Recapitulation have a short section called a Bridge to connect theme 1 to
theme 2, then a closing section after theme 2.

The Bridge section may not have a definite tonal centre (key). In the Exposition, theme 2 is in the
dominant (V) key, the key that starting from the 5th degree of the scale. If you are in C major,
then the dominant key would be G major.

The Development modulates (changes key) a number of times, so it is said to be unstable. The
Development also ends in the dominant key.

In the Recapitulation, theme 2 remains in the tonic/home (I) key.

5. The Development is named so because either one or both themes are developed in this
passage through the use of compositional devices such as sequencing and fragmentation.

The main difference between the Exposition and Recapitulation is the constant tonic key from
themes 1 to 2 in the Recapitulation where as in the Exposition, theme 1 is in the tonic/home key
and theme 2 is in the dominant key.
After learning the step by step descriptions of sonata form above, reflect on the chart below
which serves as another comprehensive guide to sonata form, then listen to the (2 mins 15
secs) link attached.

https://youtu.be/L7PfGTtUC84
(By L. Felix 2020)