The Exposition establishes tonic then modulates to a new key. If the exposition is repeated, a short transition may modulate back to tonic.
- P, the Principal Theme (a.k.a. Theme 1, 1st Theme or Principal Subject), grabs attention.
- T, the Transition (a.k.a. bridge passage), modulates to V or V/V in major and to III or V/III in minor. A dependent transition is motivically related to theme 1. An independent transition employs new figures.
- S, the Secondary Theme (a.k.a. Theme 2, 2nd Theme or Subordinate Subject), is usually a lyrical and tranquil contrast to P in the new key.
- Sometimes a second bridge links theme 2 and the closing theme.
- K, the Closing Theme, employs cadential figures and confirms the new key.
The Development often begins like the exposition transposed, but may begin with the closing theme or even a new theme in a new key. The development freely manipulates musical ideas (keys, themes, textures, dynamics and even tempos) evoking restlessness, drama, surprise and tense expectancy. The development provides an important contrast to the more direct and stable outer sections. Some sonatas feature R, the Retransition, a bridge-like section which settles on the dominant in anticipation of the return to tonic.
The Recapitulation is much like the exposition in structure and may employ an identical first theme. However the transition is altered to end on tonic or dominant so the secondary and closing themes confirm tonic.
Keys are as important as themes. Many Haydn sonatas are monothematic, i.e. S = transposed P. Some sonatas feature theme groups or theme complexes rather than a single principal and another secondary theme.
The exposition is often repeated. The development and recapitulation are sometimes repeated. Introductions and codas are common. |
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