Development of the Symphony - Sonata Form Flashcards
What are the 3 sections of sonata form?
Exposition, Development and Recapitulation
What additional sections could be added to sonata form?
Introductions and Codas
What is the function of an exposition?
To introduce the listener the to 2 main themes of the movement
What are the names of the themes in the exposition?
First and Second Subject
What is the function of the ‘transition’ section?
To modulate from the first subject tonality to the second subject tonality
What is the function of the codetta/coda?
To bring the section to an end. It is usually confirms the key of the section that precedes it. In the exposition, this will be the key of the second subject and in the recapitulation it will be the tonic key.
What is the ‘character/personality’ of the first and second subjects?
The first subject is usually very serious and will engage the listener. The second subject, in the Classical (Early and Mature) was often similar in scope to the first (or would be monothematic). In the Romantic period, the second subject became more lyrical, emotive, contrasting and sometimes slower.
What is monothematicism?
When the first and second subjects are the same theme.
What is the inherent problem with monothematicism?
In the recapitulation, because it’s all in the tonic key, the second subject will be identical to the first so it’s a direct repeat which could become monotonous if not handled correctly.
What is the function/purpose of a development section?
The development section will develop any material that has been introduced in the exposition
What are the features of a development section?
A development section will often fragment, sequence and develop different melodic fragments of previous heard material and play these through many different keys/tonal centres.
What is a ‘linking passage’?
In the development, there will need to be a linking passage to prepare for the return to the recapitulation. This will usually involve a dominant pedal of the tonic key.
What is the function of a recapitulation?
To perform the material of the exposition again. However, this must all be in the tonic key - there is no modulation to another key for the second subject.
What is ‘modified sonata form’?
A form that is similar to sonata form, but modified in some ways. Usually, there is a section from traditional sonata form removed (the development section a lot of the time)
What is sonata rondo form?
A fusion of both sonata and rondo form. The most common sonata form structure is ABA-C-ABA with the C being the development and the first subject being played twice.
What is a ‘tonal region’ with respect to sonata form?
The internal tonal plan of a sonata form composition. So, in effect, where the modulations occur within a sonata form movement.
What are the expected tonal regions of a sonata form composition?
- Major - First Subject (Tonic) - Second Subject (Dominant) - Recapitulation (All Tonic)
- Minor - First Subject (Tonic) - Second Subject (Relative Major) - Recapitulation (All Tonic)
How does Stamitz use sonata form in his Symphony in D (Op.3, No.2)?
- He uses a prototype sonata form in his first movement.
How did Stamitz’ sonata form use differ from later versions?
- There was no fragmentation in the development - the themes were played in different keys, in full.
- There was no ‘double return’ to the tonic for the recapitulation - the development section had the return of the tonic key earlier than expected.
How did Haydn use sonata form in his Symphony No.104?
- The symphony has 2 sonata form movements - I and IV
- Both movements are monothematic (use same first and second subject themes)
What are the non-standard features of sonata form used in movement I of Haydn’s Symphony No.104?
- Includes a introduction in D minor
- Hints at another key in the coda of recapitulation (A Major) momentarily and then cancels it.
- The development section is split into 4 ‘processes’ that describe how the material is handled.
- Because he deals with monothematicism, Haydn uses Fig. Y for most of development and then Fig. X for recapitulation.
What are the non-standard features of movement 4 in Haydn’s Symphony No.104?
- Inclusion of folk themes - Croatian with drones and ‘stamping’ rhythms (Fig.X)
- He has 2 second subjects (S2a and S2b)
- First subject doesn’t have a harmonic basis - it’s implied by the melody.
- Second subject (S2b) moves to B minor (a little unusual)
- Unlike Mvt.1 the development has fully designated sections to previously heard themes.
- A 70-bar coda - quite long for the time!
- Move to a ‘sturm und drang’ D minor section in the coda.
How does Mendelssohn use sonata form in his ‘Italian’ Symphony?
- He uses sonata form in movement 1
- He uses a modified sonata form in movement 2 (sometimes called ‘slow movement sonata form’)
- He uses sonata form in the finale
What unique features are part of movement 1 sonata form in Mendelssohn’s Italian Symphony?
- There is a third subject (S3) introduced in the development section
- There is a “false reprise” in C Major included in the development that implies a return to the recapitulation but it doesn’t materialise.
- There is an additional development section at the end of the recapitulation.
- Coda is 77 bars long - again quite long for the time.