Sonata Form

Sonata form is another predominate form of the Classical period. As with Rondo form a Theme Variations, the Sonata can stand alone as a single piece, or as a movement of a larger work such as a Symphony, Concerto or Instrumental Sonata.  A piece in Sonata form has four main sections, in the following order: Exposition, Development, Recapitulation and Coda. Below is a detailed chart of Sonata form with a total explanation for each main section.

Exposition

The exposition consists of two main musical themes.
Theme 1: Tonic Key
Theme 2: Closely Related Key
The exposition ends in the new closely related key.

Development

Themes 1 & 2: Developed in a variation/fantasy approach. By far the most intricate and exciting section of the Sonata.
New Key: Closely related to original tonic.
The exposition often ends in a different key from the original tonic, emphasized by a strong cadence. It always repeated from the beginning before moving on to the development.

Recapitulation

The return to themes I and II from the Exposition.
The recapitulation starts in a closely related key.

Coda

An added developmental section to signify the conclusion of the piece. The Coda always contains major ideas from the main themes and bring the piece back to the original tonic key.

Classical Music Introduction

The term classical music is often used very broadly to include all music that is orchestral. We will be looking at the Classical Period in more specific detail listening and performing some of the music composed from 1750 to approximately 1830. You will already be familiar with the composers and the music of Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven.

   

What do we already know and features about Classical Music.
-fancy
-lots of orchestral music
-music of the 18th century
-1750 to 1825
-music is either sacred or secular
-there is a strong focus on Instrumental Music especially the symphony
-the orchestra is expanding, we now have a conductor
-orchestra = W.W. Brass, Percussion and String
-the woodwind and brass increase in importance
-the melodies are clean and clear and are usually homophonic
-theme and variation

http://www.dsokids.com/visitthesymphony/seatingchart/default.aspx

-violin
-viola
-double bass
-celli
-flute
-oboe
-bassoons
-timpani
-french horn
-trumpet
-conductor