4.2 Sonata Form and the Symphony

The Classical period saw the rise of sonata form and the symphony, two musical structures that defined the era. Sonata form's three-part structure of exposition, development, and recapitulation became the backbone of many compositions, shaping how musical ideas were presented and explored.

The symphony emerged as a grand orchestral work, typically featuring four movements. Composers like Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven pushed the boundaries of this form, expanding its emotional depth and complexity while establishing a standard structure that would influence music for generations to come.

Sonata Form Structure

Three-Part Structure

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• Sonata form consists of three main sections
  • Exposition introduces main themes
  • Development explores and manipulates themes
  • Recapitulation restates themes
• Often preceded by an introduction and followed by a coda
• Exposition presents primary theme in tonic key and secondary theme in related key
• Development modulates through various keys using fragmentation and sequence
• Recapitulation restates themes in tonic key for resolution

Key Structural Elements

• Bridge or transition connects primary and secondary themes
• Closing theme concludes exposition
• Retransition leads back to recapitulation
• Codetta ends exposition
• Coda follows recapitulation to reinforce tonic key
• Evolved throughout Classical period (Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven)
  • Expanded in scope and complexity over time

Classical Symphony Structure

Four-Movement Format

• Classical symphony typically contains four distinct movements
• First movement usually in sonata form (Allegro)
  • Establishes main themes and dramatic arc
• Second movement slower (Andante, Adagio, Largo)
  • May use sonata, theme and variations, or ternary form
• Third movement traditionally minuet and trio
  • Triple meter with contrasting middle section
  • Later replaced by scherzo in some works
• Fourth movement finale (Allegro or Presto)
  • Often in sonata or rondo form
  • Provides triumphant conclusion

Overall Symphony Structure

• Creates balanced, cohesive musical journey
• Contrasts moods and tempi between movements
• Often employs cyclic elements
  • Themes or motifs reappear in later movements
• Evolved to incorporate more complexity over time
  • Expanded length and emotional depth (Beethoven)

Classical Symphony Instrumentation

Orchestra Sections and Timbres

• String section forms core of orchestra
  • Violins, violas, cellos, double basses
  • Provides rich harmonic support and main melodies
• Woodwinds add color and contrast
  • Flutes, oboes, clarinets, bassoons
  • Often play melodic solos or harmonies
• Brass section provides power and brilliance
  • Usually horns and trumpets in Classical period
  • Used for fanfares and harmonic support
• Timpani primary percussion instrument
  • Adds rhythmic punctuation and dramatic emphasis

Orchestration Techniques

• Composers exploited unique timbres of each instrument group
• Created varied textures and orchestral colors
• Used specific instrumental combinations for expressive effects
• Size and composition of orchestra gradually expanded
  • Later symphonies incorporated more wind instruments
  • Expanded brass sections over time

Classical Symphony Composers

Major Contributors

• Joseph Haydn ("Father of the Symphony")
  • Standardized four-movement structure
  • Composed 104 numbered symphonies
  • Greatly expanded symphonic form
• Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
  • Refined symphony's expressive capabilities
  • Infused genre with operatic drama and lyricism
  • Notable works: Symphony No. 40, No. 41 "Jupiter"
• Ludwig van Beethoven
  • Revolutionized symphony's scale and complexity
  • Expanded emotional range and structural depth
  • Key works: Symphony No. 3 "Eroica", No. 9 (choral finale)
• Franz Schubert
  • Bridged Classical and Romantic styles
  • Expanded lyrical and harmonic language
  • Notable works: "Unfinished" Symphony, "Great" C major Symphony

Innovations and Impact

• Progressively increased symphony length and complexity
• Expanded orchestration techniques
  • Increased use of wind instruments
  • Introduced new instruments (clarinet)
• Reflected broader cultural shifts
  • Moved from Enlightenment ideals to Romantic expression
• Paved way for further developments in Romantic era symphony