Question about Form

[steve jones]

Just curious to know why in Sonata form do composers often repeat the expo? Beethoven seems to do this loads, as does Mozart. Is there a point to this?

Steve Jones

[faulty_damper]

It's to aid in the listeners' memory.  If you heard the themes only once before the development, would you realize that the themes are being developed?  And when the music recapitulates, would you remember the exposition?

[allthumbs]

Just curious to know why in Sonata form do composers often repeat the expo? Beethoven seems to do this loads, as does Mozart. Is there a point to this?

Steve Jones

Here is an article by Robert Silverman on the subject of sonata form taken from the liner notes of his 10 CD boxed set of the 32 Beethoven Sonatas.  Used by permission.

If anyone wants one of his articles on any of the sonatas, let me know and I'll post those as well, as Dr. Silverman has given me permission to do so.


Cheers

allthumbs

[pianistimo]

so noted and copied.  seems that his form dramatically changed over time and he did what mozart did, and kept experimenting with form and intensity.  beethoven seemed to become more intense whereas mozart became almost childlike with his sonatas.  it was as if stress affected him less instead of more.  beethoven's new way was indeed new - and mozart's way led back home.  (guess that beethoven's did, too).  if you compare their first works with their last - you can immediately see the stamp of creative genius that was already at work in the beginning.

[steve jones]

Beethovens first sonata is one of my favorites. I think the first and last movements are fantastic!

And thanks for the article allthumbs, much appreciated. Id love to hear what he has to say about op90!

Cheers all,

Steve Jones

[allthumbs]

Ask and yea shall receive!

[steve jones]

Cool, can I have 'Zinger Tower Meal' please? 

Lol, Allthumbs, you are credit to your people, thanks!

[fencingfellow]

Just remember that when discussing form, it is a very fluid term.  Especially sonata form, which is an *extremely* fluid term.  Some composers may repeat the exposition, some may not...developments may contain new ideas not derived from the exposition at all...the secondary key may be an unexpected key...