Sonata Form
General outline of Sonata form
Exposition Development Recapitulation||: I -------V-------V:||V--------------------------I
Theme I Theme II codetta
Part I - Exposition
The exposition contains three distinct parts. Theme one, a transition from theme one to theme two, and theme two. Sometime, but not often there is a small codetta, but not often.
Theme one is always in the tonic key, the transition modulates to the dominant (V), or relative Major (III), and the second theme is in the dominant or relative Major.
The function of the beginning section of a sonata is to introduce thematic ideas as established in the tonic key. The principal themes can be as short as one measure or as long as twenty. Whatever the length, the principal theme eands with a cadence.
Transition:
- Transitions usually reach a half cadence that normally concludes a prolongation of the dominant key
- Dominant harmony may be elided into a perfect authentic cadence at the beginning of the secondary theme
- The accelerated rhythmic activity and changes in texture often signify the beginning of the transition.
Although it is rare, it is possible to have a non-modulating transition. That is, the first and second themes are both in the tonic.
Part II - Development
Sonata form is very much based on the elaboration of ideas. The development is the composer's chance to develop all of the themes presented in the Introduction. Often modulating frequently. Modulation to new keys and tonal instability are basic aspects of the development.
Retransition:
The retransition is found at the end of the development and serves as a gateway back to the tonic where the recapitulation can begin.
Part III - Recapitulation
The recapitulation is the third major section of a sonata. In the recapitulation, theme one is restated in the tonic, there is a non-modulatory transition between theme one and theme two. Theme two is presented in the tonic. Note that theme two is not in the dominant (V), or Mediant (III). Finally, there is a Coda to finish the piece.
