Basic Classical Forms I: Sonata-Allegro Form

Question 1

binary form

Answer 1

two sections, each repeated, the first usually moving from tonic to dominant or relative major and the second returning to the tonic

Question 2

Development

Answer 2

transforms and restates a musical idea throughout a composition; can modulate all over the place

Question 3

Exposition

Answer 3

This presents the thematic material which will serve as the basis for the movement

Question 4

Minuet and trio

Answer 4

a musical form that’s a variation of ternary form, and is often the third movement of a symphony or string quartet.

Question 5

Recapitulation

Answer 5

This brings back the themes in more - or - less original form and returns the work to its key; good place for a cadenza. A coda may be tacked on for an extra sense of finality.

Question 6

Rondo

Answer 6

refrain (A)
Contrasting Section (B)
Back to refrain, usually in the tonic (A)
Second Episode C
Back to refrain

Question 7

Episode

Answer 7

a digression from the main structure of the composition; usually have more than one idea (have multiple ideas)

Question 8

Sonata-allegro form

Answer 8

Intro.* Expo. Dev. Recap.
|––––––|––––––:||–––––––––––––|–––––––––––||
A B** A B

Question 9

Sonata-rondo

Answer 9

A B A C A B A

Question 10

Difference between Sonata-rondo and rondo?

Answer 10

The “C” in Sonata-rondo still has elements of “A” & “B” in it with new material. The Rondo form’s “C” is COMPLETELY different