Beethoven and Sonata Form
/Listening to classical music poses many challenges for modern listeners, especially kids, but it holds many benefits as well. For example, children who listen to classical music exhibit better auditory processing skills than children whose environments are void of classical music. (https://diannecraft.org/brain-training-with-music/)
One of the challenges we all face with classical music is to understand how the music is organized since it is so different from contemporary pop music. Today’s blog post will help you and your children explore one of the most common forms used by the world’s greatest composers: Sonata-Allegro form. The name of this form is derived from its original use in Sonatas and was later used in Symphonies. When we come to the first movement of a sonata or symphony, we expect that the composer will use sonata-allegro form (just sonata form for short).
There are three essential parts to the movement, and these are great words to teach to your kids, Exposition, Development, and Recapitulation. (The more you use them, the quicker they will catch on to the vocabulary!)
The Exposition is the first section that presents the main musical ideas and catches the audience’s attention. Typically, there are two main ideas called the primary theme and the secondary theme. There are also some rules composers follow with each theme. If the sonata or symphony is in the key of G, the primary theme will be in the key of G. However, the secondary theme in the Exposition will be played five notes higher in the key of D. Often, this section will be repeated.
The Development is a middle section that allows the composer to explore various ideas, rhythms, and keys. Frequently, you can hear parts of the melody being played, but not in its entirety. Finally, the section will build to a climax as a transition to the final section.
The Recapitulation serves to frame the movement and begins with the primary theme, just like it was played in the Exposition. The main difference is that it will not transition to a new key for the secondary theme. If the sonata is in the key of G, the primary and secondary themes will be in the home key of G in the Recapitulation.
Why does this matter? If our children have some expectations of what they are hearing, they will be able to enjoy the music more and engage at a different level. Similarly, when we listen to pop music, we come to expect chorus and guitar solos. Classical music uses similar repeats to help the listener follow along.
I’ve included Beethoven’s Piano Sonata Op. 41 No. 2 in G Major for you and your kids to hear the different sections. This sonata offers an excellent example of how Sonata-Allegro form works, and you can distinctly hear all the parts. Keep in mind that in this recording, the Exposition IS repeated. Can you hear the three main sections? Let me know in the comments below.