Classical Forms: Ternary, Sonata-Allegro, Theme and Variations, Rondo
Exposition
1st part of sonata-allegro. Theme 1 is in tonic, followed by an active transition in same key, then Theme 2 in the dominant key, followed by a close in the dominant. Repeat
Development
2nd part of sonata-allegro. Corresponds to "B" section of ternary form and is mostly unrelated to the exposition or recapitulation
Recapitulation
3rd part of sonata-allegro. Has same two themes as exposition, but transition is less active and there is no key change (stays in tonic)
LG 17 Haydn: Concerto for Trumpet and Orchestra in E-Flat, III
A trumpet concerto by Haydn; done to show off the new capabilities of the new trumpet (now with valves!)
Basic formal plan of Theme
A, A', A'', A''', A'''', etc.
Basic pattern of ternary/binary form
ABA, either arranged as A|B or A|BA'. Repeats help distinguish between parts
L.G. 172 (Haydn, Surprise Symphony, Second Movement)
Called "surprise" because there is a very sudden loud chord during a usually quiet portion of the piece; Haydn heard a patron snoring and decided on a whim to wake him up
Sonata-allegro form
Exposition (A), Development (B), Recapitulation (A'), Coda (optional)
L.G. 171 (Twelve Variations of Ah, vous dirai-je, Maman)
Mozart varies the tempo and the harmony of the basic theme, and even adds some trills to the end of the melody
Theme and Variations
a musical form in which a theme continually returns but is varied by changing the notes of the melody, the harmony, the rhythm, or some other feature of the music
Rondo Form
classical form with at least three statements of the refrain (A) and at least two contrasting sections (at least B and C); placement of the refrain creates symmetrical patterns such as ABACA, ABACABA, or even ABACADA
Coda
concluding part of a literary or musical composition; something that summarizes or concludes
Antecedent phrase
the opening, incomplete-sounding phrase of a melody; often followed by a consequent phrase that brings the melody to closure
consequent phrase
the second phrase of a two-part melodic unit that brings a melody to a point of repose and closure
Complex ternary/binary form
||:a:|| ||:ba':|| (A) ||:c:|| ||:dc':|| (B) ||:a:|| ||:ba':|| (A da capo)
