Classical Forms Handout

Sonata Form: (sometimes called Sonata-Allegro form, or “first movement form”) Introduction (optional) Exposition (Note: for Concerti, the exposition is played twice; once by the orchestra, once by the soloists) Theme 1 Theme 2 (in a contrasting style and key) Transition to….. Development Themes become more complex through harmonic and textual exploration Transition to…. Recapitulation Restatement of Exposition, all in the same key Coda (optional)

From the Classical Era forward, Sonata form is used for the first movement of Symphonies, Concerti, String Quartets, and Sonatas. Movements employing Sonata form are usually in a faster tempo.

Examples of Sonata Form in your required listening: Mozart Symphony 40, Eine Kline Nachtmusik, Beethoven Symphony No 5 (first movement).

Theme and Variations: Theme (Main melody of the movement) Variation 1 (alteration to main theme) Variation 2 (new alteration to main theme) Variation 3 (new alteration to main theme) Etc…..

Composers will alter the main melody in a number of ways including key, meter, instrumentation, mood, dynamics, etc.

Minuet and Trio: Minuet Trio Minuet Theme 1 (A) Theme 2 (B) Theme 1 slightly altered (A’) Notice that the second time through the Minuet there are no repeats. The Minuet is the most common dance movement used in the Classical Era. You will see it as the third movement of forms containing four movements such as the Symphony, String Quartet or Sonata.

Rondo: (sometimes called ‘Sonata Rondo” form) Theme 1 (A) Theme 2 (B) Theme 1 (A) Theme 3 (C) Theme 1 (A)

Rondo form should remind you of Ritornello form. They are very similar. The Rondo form is characterized by the returning of the first theme only, and the number and order of contrasting themes will vary. For example, ABACA, or ABACABA, or ABACADA. Any of these are acceptable as Rondo form because they always return to the main theme between sections. Rondo’s can be there own pieces, but are most often the final movement of sonatas, symphonies and string quartets in the Classical Era.