Unit 1, Sonata Theory

Question 1

This post-cadential section emphasizes the secondary key. It may contain new thematic material or borrow material from P or TR, but not S.

Answer 1

Closing zone (C)

Question 2

This section is largely unconventional. This section often includes sequence, fragmentation of thematic material, and explores several keys rapidly.

Answer 2

Development

Question 3

This section’s feature goal is to drive toward the MC and is characterized by energy gain. It is often modulatory away from the tonic.

Answer 3

Transition (TR)

Question 4

This section features a dominant lock to prepare the arrival of the tonic in the recapitulation.

Answer 4

Retransition (RT)

Question 5

Absence of this particular feature establishes an exposition as continuous rather than as a two-part exposition. It is the “break or pause in the middle”.

Answer 5

Medial caesura (MC or ‘ )

Question 6

This optional section may be in a different key than the original tonic and prepares for the arrival of the primary theme zone (P).

Answer 6

Introduction

Question 7

This zone is characterized as being more lyrical and leads to a PAC in a new key.

Answer 7

Secondary theme zone (S)

Question 8

This section establishes the home key and presents the primary melodic material to begin the thematic cycles.

Answer 8

Primary theme zone (P)

Question 9

The point in the recapitulation at which alterations give way to renewed correspondences with the exposition.

Answer 9

Crux

Question 10

A perfect authentic cadence that establishes the new key at the end of S.

Answer 10

Essential expositional closure (EEC)

Question 11

The harmonic goal of the recapitulation (and the entire sonata). The moment at which the harmonic plan of the sonata is concluded.

Answer 11

Essential sonata closure (ESC)

Question 12

A scholarly term meaning musical or textual “interpretation”.

Answer 12

Hermeneutics

Question 13

P TR ‘ S / C

Answer 13

Two-part exposition

Question 14

P TR ‘ S? ‘ S / C

Answer 14

Mid-expositional trimodular block

Question 15

P TR=>FS / C

Answer 15

Continuous exposition

Question 16

This section is a “spinning out” of material from the transition, which avoids the MC.

Answer 16

Fortspinnnung

Question 17

This section features the establishment of one key, followed by the movement to and establishment of another key. It also lays out the thematic cycles that are recalled throughout the composition.

Answer 17

Exposition

Question 18

This optional, short section is post-cadential and reinforces the cadence it follows. It may close out either the exposition or the recapitulation.

Answer 18

Codetta

Question 19

This large optional section follows the recapitulation and may add weight to the overall composition.

Answer 19

Coda

Question 20

A post-TR pause that is followed by an apparent S that does not contain the EEC.

Answer 20

Declined medial caesura

Question 21

Musical material activity implies a gap, but links TR’s concluding half cadence to the S zone.

Answer 21

Caesura fill (CF)

Question 22

A short idea that is smaller than the phrase.

Answer 22

Motive

Question 23

A substantial musical thought that ends with a cadence.

Answer 23

Phrase

Question 24

A pairing of two phrases with identical or similar thematic ideas, but that do not correspond at the end.

Answer 24

Parallel period

Question 25

When two phrases are connection, but the material in each is significantly different.

Answer 25

Contrasting period

Question 26

The section that reconciles the sonata’s rhetorical material (themes) with the original tonic.

Answer 26

Recapitulation