The iUniversity
Section Seven
Studies in Classical Form
This section covers the musical forms developed by composers in the mid-18th-century and then perfected by the great composers of the 19th century – The Romantic Era.
The Sonata Form
The sonata-allegro form (or sonata form) evolved from the binary (A+B) and ternary {A+B+A) forms. The form had a three-part structure: 1 – Exposition (Theme A/B), 2 – Development (thematic manipulation), and 3 – Recapitulation. The sonata form form became the backbone of symphonic and chamber music first-movement composition throughout the 19th century.
The Rondo Form
The rondo form was also created in the mid-18th-century, evolving from the 17th-century ritornello, where orchestra alternated with soloists, such as in the concerto-grosso and the French rondeau. It features a returning main theme (refrain or ‘A’) alternating with contrasting, episodic sections (B, C) to create a form that was often used in final movements of symphonies and chamber music.
The Concerto Form
Haydn and Mozart evolved the concerto grosso into the solo concerto by replacing the small concertino group of soloists with a single virtuoso soloist and shifting from the 17th-century ritornello structure to sonata-allegro form. This transition also eliminated the basso continuo and established a three-movement structure. The orchestra in Haydn and Mozart’s concertos became a more individualized participant, moving away from simply accompanying or reinforcing the soloist to engaging in thematic dialogue.
Study Scores
Concerto Studies
MJ-001 – 18th Century Concerto Study Volume 1 (About 290 pages)
J.S. Bach, Christian Bach, and Mozart
MJ-002 – J.S. Bach Brandenburg Concerto Study
MJ-003 – 18th Century Concerto Study Volume 2 (200 pages approx)
Christian Bach and Mozart
Sonata Form Studies
MG-001 – Sonata Form Study Volume 1 (210 Pages)
Haydn and Mozart
MG-002 – Sonata Form Study Volume 2 (235 Pages)
Haydn
MG-003 – Sonata Form Study Volume 3 (233 Pages)
Christian Bach, Mozart, and Haydn
MG-004 – Four Beethoven String Quartets
Beethoven Opus 18, No. 1 Study (60 Pages)
Beethoven Opus 59, No. 1 Study (60 Pages approx)
Beethoven Opus 131 Study (50 Pages)
Beethoven Opus 132 Study (40 Pages)
MG-005 – Beethoven Symphony 5 & 6 Studies
MG-006 – Beethoven Piano Sonata Studies
Opus 106 (50 Pages)
Opus 110 (20 Pages)
Opus 111 (20 Pages)