Chapter 14: Classical Forms: Ternary and Sonata-Allegro
Ternary Form (ABA) Statement – Contrast – Repetition “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” Figure 14.1 A ball at the Redoutensaal (dancing hall) in the emperor’s palace in Vienna, c. 1800. Mozart, Haydn, and, later, Beethoven composed minuets and “German dances” for these events, which sometimes attracted nearly 4,000 fee-paying dancers. The orchestra can be seen in the gallery to the left. The Redoutensaal still provides a venue for concerts and balls today.
Minuet and Trio in Ternary Form Minuet: Stately dance in triple meter Originally a popular dance in the Baroque Era Became “Listening Music” in the Classical Era Trio: serves as a contrasting (B) section Originally only played by three instruments Figure 14.2 Couples in the late eighteenth century dancing the stately minuet. In some areas of Europe at this time, women were forbidden to dance the minuet because it was thought to involve excessive body contact!
Eine kleine Nachtmusik by Mozart (1787) Serenade: a light, multimovement piece for strings or small orchestra Movement III: Minuetto (pg. 167)
Sonata-Allegro Form Four Movement Form Movement 1 2 3 4 Form ABA, Theme and Variations, or Rondo Minuet in Trio (ABA) Sonata-allegro, Theme and Variations, or Rondo Mood Serious and substantive despite fast tempo Lyrical and tender Usually light and elegant, sometimes spirited Bright, lighthearted, sometimes humorous Tempo Fast Slow Lively
The Shape of Sonata-Allegro Form Drama and conflict within a single movement Three major sections: Exposition: Presents thematic material Opposition and blending of contrasting themes Development: Thematic material from exposition is developed Recapitulation: Themes return in original order Figure 14.3 Sonata–allegro form
Hearing Sonata-Allegro Form Keep the sonata-allegro diagram in mind Listen for the four distinctive musical styles in sonata-allegro form Thematic sections: States the melodies Transition: Moves the music forward Development: Expands musical ideas Concluding passages: Provides closure Eine kleine Nachtmusik, movement I “Allegro” (p.172) First theme: aggressive, fanfare-like opening Second theme: quieter, lighter Closing theme: cheerful
Overture to Don Giovanni by Mozart Sonata-allegro form P. 174