Sonata form

The sonata form is a structure typically used in the first movement of a concerto or a symphony. The sonata form is built around two subjects, the principal subject and the second subject, and has three sections known as the exposition, development and recapitulation. The exposition introduces the principal and second subjects, which contrast with each other in character. In the development section, the composer shows how the subjects can be processed; they are often reduced to fragments or motifs as they are developed musically. The development section often involves shifting and surprising harmonies. In the recapitulation, the subjects return, sometimes in modified form, and this section concludes the movement.

Pic: Satu Simola