Last class period we discussed the Classical Period (1750-1827ish), characterized by logic, symmetry, and somewhat predictable forms. We discussed, in particular, the sonata-allegro form (also just known as sonata form, the terms are pretty much interchangeable) and it’s three parts: the exposition, development, and recapitulation. In the exposition, usually two themes were introduced with the first theme in the tonic key and the second usually in the dominant key. For instance, in Mozart’s Sonata in C for piano, the first theme is introduced in C, and the second in G. In the development, the themes are played around with, generally moving through several different keys. The development had no hard and fast rules. Then the recapitulation would recap the two themes, both in the tonic key. You can clearly hear the three sections in Mozart’sSymphony No. 40 in g minor. The first theme is heard immediately at the beginning, the second theme about 1:30, the development starting around 4:40, and the recapitulation around 6:00. The first theme is considered a possible source of inspiration for Beethoven’s famous four-note theme in his 5th symphony that would come some thirty years later.