Sonata Form: The Heart of the Classical Style

Question 1

Enlightenment

Answer 1

Scientific thinking applied to social issues.

Question 2

Baroque era was the time of ___, the age of scientific discovery.

Answer 2

Renaissance.

Question 3

What are the guiding forces in enlightenment?

Answer 3

Justice and reason.

Question 4

What innovations in entertainment were there in the Classical era?

Answer 4

• Salon (party/seminar).
• Coffee house (hipster alert).
• Novel (extended stories, entertainment).
• Public concert (music accessible outside the court).

Question 5

What are the two qualities that made enlightenment in music obvious?

Answer 5

• Natural.

- Pleasing variety.

Question 6

Rhythm in Classical music:

Answer 6

Varied and flexible between themes and sections.

Question 7

Dynamics in Classical music:

Answer 7

More markings, gradations.

Question 8

Orchestra in Classical music:

Answer 8

Woodwinds, brass, and percussion become standard use.

Question 9

Melody in Classical music.

Answer 9

Easily grasped, singable. Clear beginnings and ends.

Question 10

Texture in Classical music:

Answer 10

Homophony is rule. Counterpoint is contrast (for development). Continuo is out, improvised rhythm obscures sonority.

Question 11

The Classical form is all about ___ and thwarting them.

Answer 11

Expectations.

Question 12

What is the main expectation in Classical music?

Answer 12

Resolution. Tension arises, and must be resolved. Satisfaction of return is a form of resolution.

Question 13

Clarity is key in Classical music, you must know that the ___ has occurred.

Answer 13

Resolution.

Question 14

How do Classical composers use distinctiveness to make form clear?

Answer 14

Themes are distinct from transitions. Transitions are less melody, more urgency.

Question 15

How do Classical composers use repetition to make form clear?

Answer 15

When a theme is introduced, you expect it to be repeated.

Question 16

How do Classical composers use cadences to make form clear?

Answer 16

Themes are often closed with several clear cadences.

Question 17

Sonata form is a greatly expanded ___ form.

Answer 17

Ternary.

Question 18

Sonata form is the musical version of a basic plot – the ___.

Answer 18

Quest.

Question 19

Three parts of a sonata:

Answer 19

Exposition, development, recapitulation.

Question 20

Exposition

Answer 20

• Clear statement of themes.
• Establishment of tension. Foreshadowing of greater tension to come.
• Sectional repetition.

Question 21

How is tension always established in the exposition?

Answer 21

Dramatic modulation to secondary key.

Question 22

How is tension often established in the exposition?

Answer 22

Contrasting themes.

Question 23

What is the basic form of the exposition?

Answer 23

Theme 1, bridge (modulation), Theme 2 (in new key).

Question 24

Exposition always has ___ ___.

Answer 24

Sectional repetition.

Question 25

Development

Answer 25

• Heightening of tension.
• Frequent modulation to a variety go keys.
• Sequences.
• Thematic fragmentation.
• Polyphonic.
• Ends with retransition.

Question 26

Retransition

Answer 26

End of development that leads back to recapitulation.

Question 27

Recapitulation

Answer 27

• Provides the satisfaction of return.
• Themes 1 and 2 are presented again.
• No sectional repetition.
• Theme in secondary key returns in the tonic key. Necessitates changes to bridge.
• Sometimes themes are shortened or varied. As long as sense of return is satisfied.

Question 28

Coda

Answer 28

Section at end meant to round things off.

Question 29

Double Exposition

Answer 29

Exposition 1 played by orchestra, theme did not change keys. Exposition 2 played by soloist. Theme 2 is in the secondary key when played by soloist.