Elements Of Music Sonata Essay Research Paper

Elements Of Music: Sonata Essay, Research Paper

The Sonata Christian Corah

10/6/96

In the late 1700’s and early 1800’s the Baroque period gave way to the classical era, introducing many revolutionary new scientific discoveries and theories. This drastically changed the peoples social views and brought on the “age of enlightenment.” With this change in social philosophy came changes in musical trends. One of the most important new trends of the time was a more common use of the sonata. During the Classical era, the sonata evolved into a more restricted role, and in doing so, embodied the new style of musical form for the time.

The sonata originated in Italy and gradually gained popularity over the rest of Europe. During the Baroque period the sonata was composed of several dance movements, however, in the Classical era it changed to a fast-slow style movement, with each movement composed in one of four forms popular during the Classical period. These forms consisted of sonata-allegro, rondo, ternary, and theme and variations. Through history many characteristics of the sonata have remained unchanged; “most sonatas have been instrumental music, without voice parts, absolute music without program; concert or divisional music, without social function; solo or chamber music for one to four players, without or multiple performance of the parts; cyclic music, in two to four movements rather than one; and broadly conceived music, exhibiting some of the most extended designs of absolute music”(Newman 479). The sonata was played by, and written for, amateur musicians who “practiced and performed for polite society in the comfort of their own homes”(Wright 196). The sonata is a type of chamber music, that gained popularity during the classical era. Sonata translates as, “something played” as opposed to it close cousin, the cantata, which means “something sung”. It was also during this time that the keyboard sonata evolved from harpsichord and clavichord and finally, to the piano (Newman 485). During 1830s the popularity of piano music increased drastically. This was because the Industrial Revolution allowed piano manufacturers to developed methods for building many more pianos at lower costs. Pianos were no longer so expensive that ownership was reserved exclusively for the wealthy. Middle class could also own them and make music at home greatly expanding the musical audience. The sonata was still used at court and to a lesser extent in the church. These locations are mainly due to the Baroque era, however, during the Classical period the sonata took on distinctly different functions. The sonata was a,”diversion of the amateur or dilettante, a launching vehicle for the professional composer and performer, a training resource for the student; an occasional item in private and public concerts; and a conventional music accessory in the church”(Newman 486). The sonata was basically used during small social gatherings, or as musical training. Another, and likely most important function of the sonata was as way for composers to become known. “Every musician who aspired to join the company of composers working for the public generally began his career with keyboard compositions, namely with solo sonatas”(Newman 487).

The first composers to significantly development the sonata during the Classical era were Haydn and Mozart. Little is known about Haydn’s piano sonatas, even though his piano sonatas and string quartets stand apart from most of his other compositions. Haydn’s initial works for the keyboard are reminiscent of the sonata and intended as an instructional aid (Larson 336). Following these, he composed fourteen sonatas. It is unknown who the sonatas were written for. They are difficult pieces to play and display few baroque concerto characteristics. However, they do exhibit “Haydn’s originality and independence of fashion” (Larson 336).

Mozart was one of the sonata’s first great composers, creating short keyboard compositions while still a young child. These compositions are “somewhat mechanical in their textures (with heavy reliance on sequential patterns; much here seems to represent the attentive boy’s exploration of harmonic and textural possibilities”(Plath 687). As the popularity of sonata’s grew, even composers in London began to write pieces in sonata form. The sonatas which were written in London share many of the same characteristics and advancements displaying a, “remarkable grasp of the principles of J.S. Bach’s symphonic style”(Plath 687). Mozart also composed a number of sonatas for use in church which were written for three part strings with the organ continue. Initially these pieces were very short, however, his last church sonatas had larger orchestral support. While living in Vienna, Mozart composed some of his greatest piano sonatas, which shared some characteristics with those composed by Bach. Mozart went on to compose more sonatas while on a trip to Mannheim and Paris. He composed piano sonatas for the Cannabich’s daughter Rosa. Mozart noted that he designed the Andante to depict her. In this composition the contrasts in dynamics, and a sense “expressive affection” are clearly discernable (Plath 697). While Mozart was in Paris, he composed six more piano and violin sonatas. These compositions reflect the local style of the time. Mozart composed only one piece in E minor, “with its paired textures and hesitant wistful manner