The FORM of music is the internal structure of a composition or a movement of the composition. The most commonly used form in all music from the Classical Period is Sonata Form.
SONATA FORM - Sonata Form is the most complex of the Classical Period forms and will always be used for the first movement of a composition. Sonata Form can also be used in other movements as well. A Sonata Form movement contains the following sections:
INTRODUCTION - optional section that introduces the key of the piece and is usually slower in tempo.
EXPOSITION - several contrasting themes (usually two) are presented in two different keys. Between the two themes is a Modulating Bridge that transports the music from one key to the other. Cadence Material follows the second theme to reinforce the new key and bring the Exposition to a close. Usually, the Exposition is repeated to familiarize the listener with the themes.
DEVELOPMENT - the themes from the Exposition are transformed in a variety of ways (fragmented, sequenced, inverted, etc) as the harmonic structure becomes more unstable. Various changes of key give a sense of continual harmonic instability.
RECAPITULATION - the themes return in their original version except the themes are now in the same key, giving a sense that the conflict between the themes has been resolved.
CODA - short section to bring the movement to a satisfying conclusion.
EXAMPLE - Symphony 40 - Mozart (1st movement)
