Sonata Form Terminology

Question 1

The movement up to the double bar (or implied double bar) is called:

Answer 1

Exposition

Question 2

Beginning of the piece in the tonic key- contains the first theme, and often several more themes as well- is called

Answer 2

First group

Question 3

Modulation from I to V in the exposition (i to III in minor) is called

Answer 3

Transition (bridge)

Question 4

Usually in dominant (III in minor) - contains at least one new theme, often several themes - new theme doesn’t have to be at the beginning of (this term), is called the

Answer 4

Second group

Question 5

Repeated root position cadences before the double bar (or implied double bar) and at the end of the piece - before the double bar ——- ——– is in the dominant (III in minor); at the end of ——- ——– is in the tonic

Answer 5

Closing material

Question 6

Follows the double bar (though not always immediately) - characterized by harmonic instability, sequences, fugato - primarily about harmony and gesture, secondarily about thematic transformation

Answer 6

Development

Question 7

The moment at the end of the development when the tonic key and the first theme return together - marks the beginning of the recapitulation.

Answer 7

Double return

Question 8

When all or most themes from the exposition are heard in the tonic, usually in the same order as before - refers both to the moment of double return as well as everything that follows after the double return.

Answer 8

Recapitulation

Question 9

1) the end of the development section, the preparation for the double return
2) the passage in the recapitulation that is parallel to the transition in the exposition: in the recap, the composer stays in I instead of modulating to V

Answer 9

Retransition