Sonata+Form+by+Verity

Sometimes called sonata-allegro form, sonata form refers to the form of a single movement. It must not be confused with the term sonata which refers to the form of a full composition of several movements. Sonata form is made up by three major sections. These sections are the exposition, the development and the recapitulation. These sections are usually followed by a coda which concludes the composition. Sonata form allows for a wide set of emotional transitions within its structure.
 * Sonata Form**

The exposition refers to the introduction of the main theme in the tonic key. This theme is followed by a bridge which modulates from the tonic key to a new key. A second theme is then introduced in the new key. The two keys are often presented in stark contrast to one another.The exposition is then concluded in the same key as the second theme. The conclusion of the exposition often contains a repeat sign.
 * Exposition**

In the development section, the themes introduced in the exposition are treated in original ways. Themes may be broken into motives, or fragments. Motives are brief musical ideas developed within the piece of music. The development section is often disorientating for the audience with unrelenting transitions between keys. These key changes renew interest within the audience and make the piece feel as if it is moving forward rather than caught at a standstill. Themes may be altered to change their emotional effect on the audience during this section. As an example of this, a bright cheerful theme may be altered in melody, rhythm or dynamics to take on a more eerie or alarming sound. This section leads to the next by creating a feeling within the audience that the piece requires a resolution.
 * Development**

The recapitulation begins with the return of the first theme. This theme appears in the tonic key. This is followed by a bridge and then by the second theme which reappears in the tonic key. This section is concluded by a closing section in the tonic key. This section acts as a resolution to the development section, providing a fitting ending for it. This section eliminates the contrast between the first and second themes by bringing them to the same key.
 * Recapitulation**

Coda, which is Italian for tail, appears in the tonic key and further concludes the composition by repeating the themes and possibly developing them even further.
 * Coda**