Sonata-Allegro Form

An unusual take on Sonata-Allegro Form

The first movement of a sonata or a symphony was usually in sonata-allegro form, a unique combination of ternary and double-variation form.

Introduction

Exposition

• Theme A (tonic key)
• Transition
• Theme B (dominant or relative major key)

Development

• The composer does variations on one or both themes, ending by pedaling the dominant.

Recapitulation

• Theme A (tonic key)
• Transition
• Theme B (tonic key)
• Coda