On The Keys

On this two-part series on tonality and sonata form, David Kiser gives the microphone over to Professor of Piano at Converse College, Douglas Weeks who guides us through the sonatas of Mozart and Beethoven. In the course of this series you’ll learn about tonality and the importance of key structure. Douglas Weeks likens it to moving to different rooms of the house, where “Tonic” is the hearth, home base, the center of the house. Below is Part Two. Find Part One and a comprehensive list of terms here . Sonata Form: A Quick Structural Guide Sonata form is the most commonly heard form in the first movements of 18th, 19th, and, to some degree, 20th Century sonatas, symphonies, and instrumental chamber music. Sonata form can be used in other movements of the sonata and symphony as well, but is less common. “Textbook” Sonata Form Introduction entirely optional usually slow Exposition (first show) First subject area (33:28) in tonic “A” theme Bridge (40:10) modulation or half cadence Second