3.13 The Symphony

symphony

symphony

large, impressive concert piece for orchestra

first symphonic movement

fast/moderate tempo, sonata form, sometimes has a slower introduction

second symphonic movement

slow tempo, quiet mood, variety of forms

third symphonic movement

always minuet and trio (moderately paced and triple meter)

fourth symphonic movement

fast/faster than first, sonata/rondo form (or combo)

Sonata Form

ABA', usually with repetitions; exposition, development, recapitulation

Rondo Form

has a full fledged tune (A) which is returned to after even other episode (B,C, etc.)

Sonata Exposition (A)

large, diverse section presenting basic material

Sonata Development (B)

section with many modulations where themes are broken up, extended, developed, etc.

Sonata Recapitulation (A')

review of all exposition themes, in the tonic key only

variation form

big form with virtuosos, where a theme is repeated with changes at each repetition

minuet dance form

more complex varieties of ABA; aka ternary form