1.08 Mozart and the Sonata Form

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

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The Sonata Form

Sonata form is defined as a type of composition in three sections. The three sections are called the exposition, development, and recapitulation. This musical form serves as the basis for much of classical and modern music.

Listen to one of Mozart's famous piano sonatas in its entirety. This is his Piano Sonata in C, K. 545, 1st movement and it is a wonderful example of sonata form.

Quick fact!

Most of Mozart's compositions were catalogued by Austrian musicologist, Ludwig von Köchel. The compositions were given K numbers (K for Köchel); for example, this sonata is titled Piano Sonata in C, K. 545, 1st movement.

Mozart's Piano Sonata in C, K. 545, 1st movement is available in the public domain.

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Example: The Parts of Mozart's Sonata

Now, let's look at how Mozart constructed the piece Piano Sonata in C, K. 545, 1st movement by learning about sonata form.

The first section is the exposition. In the exposition, one or two primary melodies are usually presented. In this composition, Mozart presents two main themes.

Listen to Theme 1 or Theme A:

Listen to Theme 2 or Theme A1:

Mozart presents both of these melodies before he transitions into the second section called the development. During the development, a composer will alter melodies and keys from the exposition.

Listen to Mozart's development sections.

The development sections will always lead to the recapitulation which is a return to the main melodies presented in the exposition.

Listen to Mozart's recapitulation.

Now, listen to the piece in its entirety to see how the parts fit together in the sonata form:

1. The exposition (1st theme 0:00, 2nd theme 0:23)
2. The development (0:52)
3. The recapitulation (1:15)

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