The Classical Era Continues ...

Congratulations to all of you who guessed the name of the composer in the last entry! It was Ludwig Van Beethoven. ! One of his most well-known pieces is "Fur Elise". He and many other composers during this time also created a new kind of piece called the "Sonata" or "Sonatina".

A "Sonata" is a multi-movement composition for solo instrument with or without a piano accompaniment. PHEW! A "Sonatina" is just a shorter version of the same. This was an important innovation during this time (late 1700's to around 1850). An easy way to remember the Classical Era is to think about the SONATA definition - "for solo instrument". Many compositions during era began to be created for a "virtuoso" performer (someone who excelled in the playing of their instrument) while any other part would be considered accompaniment only. (Remember: during the Baroque Era, music was written in CONTRAPUNTAL style with each part being equally important :0)

Also, during the Classical Era, the piano began to evolve into the kind of piano we see more of today. There was the development of the damper pedal and more octaves too! We hear the "ALBERTI BASS" being introduced as well! TELL ME OR SHOW ME WHAT THE "ALBERTI BASS" IS AND YOU CAN CHOOSE A PRIZE FROM THE PRIZE BASKET! :0) Hint: Check out the left hand on the sheet music above ...

Back to the Sonata Form . . . it is pretty easy to identify a Sonata when you know the formula that is used to compose one . . . Here are the names and explanations of the smaller "Sonatina" type of piece (which would be found in the FIRST MOVEMENT of the Sonata):
1. EXPOSITION: the 'exposing' of the subject matter. It's the introduction for the main melodic theme for the piece.
2. DEVELOPMENT: the free treatment of any or all of the thematic material. This is when the composer gets to 'run-away' with his/her music! Enjoy! :0) Remember, however - the key signature must remain related to the initial theme (usually written in the DOMINANT KEY: the 5th note of the scale)
3. RECAPITULATION: Big word - easy to understand ... to "Re-Cap" the thematic material. Now we hear the first theme (from the Exposition) returning and being re-stated.

Check out the Sonatina in G major by Beethoven. Which element of the Sonatina Form does this excerpt represent? Have fun and we'll see you all at lessons!