Sonata form

Sonata form refers to both the standard layout of an entire musical composition and more specifically to the standardized form of the first movement. The latter is also referred to as sonata-allegro form. Sonata form is both a way of organizing the composing of a work and a way of analyzing an existing work. While described and named in the early 19th century, the models for the form were works of the classical period, most specifically Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven, and the form is rooted in the schematics described in the late 18th century. The standard description of the sonata form is rooted in the common practice period of harmony, though more modern descriptions of theorists such as Heinrich Schenker and Charles Rosen argue that there is a single tonal background which defines all sonata movements.

Related Topics:
Musical composition - Movement - 19th century - Classical period - Haydn - Mozart - Beethoven - Schematics - 18th century - Common practice period - Harmony - Heinrich Schenker - Charles Rosen

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This is not to be confused with the term sonata, which applies both to a genre of works, and to works which exemplify sonata form. This article deals with the formal outline as it would be taught in a composition class.

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