A Sonata: A Musical Piece
A sonata is a musical piece, which means it is a piece of music. It is distinct from a cantata, and it evolved through the history of music. It was used to designate many different types of music up until the Classical period, when it gained increasing importance. Different styles of sonata have different meanings, depending on the time period and context in which they are written.
Structure of a Sonata
The structure of a sonata is a musical structure with three main sections. This type of composition has been used since the 18th century. It is often accompanied by an introduction and a coda. This structure allows the composer to explore different ideas and is ideal for composing short works. The sonata form is based on the French opéra comique and has become popular across the world.
Exposition
The exposition section opens in the tonic key and proceeds to transition into the second key, usually either a major or minor key. The second key is generally one of the two closest to the home key.
Variations of a Sonata
Beethoven composed many variations of his sonata, of which one is called the sonatina. This form omits the development section and begins with an exposition, and then recapitulation. This variation is known as the sonatina because it is more than a sonata - it is a masterpiece.
The sonata form of the first reprise can be analyzed by identifying the position of the two main themes. In the first part, the primary theme (P) begins at m. 1 of the sonata, while the secondary theme (S) starts at m. 23 of the sonata, or half-way through the piece.
Origin of the Sonata
The word "sonata" was originally used to describe a musical genre. But over the course of fifty years, it evolved to become the fundamental form of a multi-movement work. The word derives from the Latin verb sonare, which means "to sound." It is a common style of classical music, with many classical composers choosing to use this structure.
The word "sonata" comes from the late 17th century and is a feminine past participle of the verb sonare. Originally, it was used to describe the musical compositions of opera singers.
Development of a Sonata
The sonata is a piece of music that typically has three movements. The first section of the piece is called the exposition. This part of the composition is where the main subject matter of the movement is introduced. The second section, called the recapitulation, shows these subjects in a new state of equilibrium. In the exposition, the subjects of the movement are heard in order and are usually in a tonic key. Then, in the development, the subject matter changes to a new key. This change in key makes the listener perceive the subjects in a new relationship.
The sonata form evolved as a musical genre in the 18th century. It was the most popular form for instrumental composers from the mid-18th century to the beginning of the 20th century. It represents a fundamental break from the liturgical music that dominated the Western music world from the Medieval to the Baroque era.
Recapitulation
In the Sonata Recapitulation, Beethoven repeats the first idea of the piece, but this time with the second subject in the tonic major. In this way, the second theme introduces new emotional qualities to the piece. Unlike the first theme, however, the second idea is not secondary to the first, but rather follows its introduction.
Throughout his work, Beethoven makes use of various innovations to subvert the logic of classical form. The first one, placing the moment of greatest stillness at the end of development, seems to be redundant, while the second turns the implicit cyclic form into an explicit form, which concentrates the action in specific moments and diminishes its global shape. This approach is similar to that of Mendelssohn and Schumann, whose material does not seem happy being crammed into a traditional form. Beethoven's odd form, however, produces his most interesting effects.
Sacred and Secular Elements in Sonata
Music has two major categories: sacred and secular. Sacred music is based on religious texts and is composed especially for worship services. Secular music is composed by non-religious artists, and secular songs borrow from sacred music in some cases. Some secular pieces are purely uplifting, while others may contain lyrics that are not religious in nature.
A sonata may combine both sacred and secular elements. Traditionally, a sonata is a one-movement piece composed for a solo instrument, but it can also include multiple instruments. It may have two or more movements, each with its own distinct musical character.
Psychological Aspects
The psychoactive effects of Sonata are similar to those of benzodiazepines. It can produce a buzzing sensation and a sense of being high. However, there is a risk of dependence. People who have a history of drug abuse should use caution and be monitored closely when using the drug.
Psychological aspects of a sonata include the way in which the work resolves opposites. A typical example is the recapitulation point in the development section, which marks the end of the main argument and the beginning of the final synthesis. This point is handled differently by different Classical masters. Mozart is a master at managing the return of the subject and the tonic key, whereas Beethoven and Haydn celebrate it with a sweeping panoply.
