Music: Sonata Form Exposition

In a musical composition with two theme areas, what is the key relationship between the two themes?

What is the purpose of the transition in a musical composition with two theme areas?

What is the typical ending of the transition in a musical composition with two theme areas?

What is the purpose of the closing or codetta section in a musical composition with two theme areas?

What happens to the first theme in the closing or codetta section?

What is a key characteristic of the development section in a musical composition?

What is the aesthetic effect of the development section?

In a musical composition, what typically happens to the harmony during the development section?

What is a key function of the development section?

What is a common characteristic of the harmony in the development section?

Exposition Structure

A typical Exposition consists of two "theme areas" linked by a transition
The two themes often contrast with each other in nature
Each theme is in a different key
If the first theme is in a major key, the second theme is also in a major key
If the first theme is in a minor key, the second theme is in a major key
The transition linking the two themes often ends on a half cadence

Closing Section

An optional closing or codetta section may be used
This section may introduce a new (third) theme or reuse the first theme
If the first theme is reused, it appears in the second key

Exposition

A typical exposition consists of two "theme areas" connected by a transition.
The two themes often contrast with each other in nature.
The themes are written in two different keys:
- If the first theme is in major, the second theme is also in major.
- If the first theme is in minor, the second theme is in major.
The transition between the two themes often ends on a half cadence.
The exposition may include a closing or codetta section, which is optional.
The codetta section can introduce a new third theme or revisit the first theme in the second key.

Development

The development section involves modulation to many different keys.
The aesthetic effect of this modulation is to build tension.

This quiz covers the exposition section of sonata form, including theme areas, transitions, and keys. Learn about the structure and characteristics of this musical form.