Instrumental Music of the Classical Period

Sonata

is a large instrumental composition made up of several movements or sections

Sonata form

the first movement or section of a sonata is written in a form called

Exposition

where the basic theme is presented in a tonic key

Development

where the main theme is developed in different ways

Recapitulation

where themes in the exposition are restated in the tonic key but not exactly the same

Ternary

ABA structure

Rounded binary

AABA structure

Theme and variations

where theme is repeated over and over and is changed each time

Slow tempo

the second movement of a sonata is characterised by having a

Minuet

the third movement of a sonata is commonly in a form called

Scherzo

follows the same sectional structure, meter, and tempo of the minuet however, it moves a more playful and humorous style

Finale

the fourth movement is called the

Rondo

ABACA structure

Symphony

is a sonata for orchestra, generally in four movements

Instrumentation

refers to the instruments specified in the musical score of symphony

Orchestration

refers to the manner in which those instruments are used in the music

Concerto

is a major composition combining the virtuosity of the instrumental soloist and the various textures and expressiveness of the orchestra

Double exposition

two separate exposition are called

Cadenza

is a section in this instrumental music where the soloist displays his/her virtuosity and technique

Chamber Music

is designed in such a way that it is performed in a small room (chamber) or in a palace

String quartet

the most important chamber music ensemble is the

Divermento

is composed of small chamber ensemble or a small orchestra