Chapter 14: Classical Forms: Ternary and Sonata-

Allegro

Ternary Form (ABA)

• Statement – Contrast – Repetition • “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star”

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

Eine kleine Nachtmusik by Mozart (1787)• Serenade: a light, multimovement piece

for strings or small orchestra• Movement III: Minuetto

Sonata-Allegro Form

Four Movement Form

Movement 1 2 3 4

Form Sonata-allegro 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 Fast

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

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”– First theme: aggressive, fanfare-like opening– Second theme: quieter, lighter– Closing theme: cheerful