Analysis of Sonata Form

Beethoven, String Quartet, Op. 18, No. 1, I (ANSWERS)

(Turek Anthology, p. 284ff.)

1.     Enter the measure numbers and beginning key of each section. For Harmonic Relation, enter the harmonic relation each key has to the tonic of the composition (global functions).

 

 

Exposition

Dev.

Recapitulation

Coda

Section

Theme 1

Trans.

Theme 2

Closing

Theme 1

Trans.

Theme 2

Closing

Measures

1-29

30-56

57-72

72-114

115-178

179-199

200-217

218-233

233-281

282-313

Key (beg.)

F

F

C

C

a

F

Gb

F

F

F

Harmonic Relation

I

I

V

V

iii

I

bII

I

I

I

 

 

2.     Is the harmonic relation between Themes 1 and 2 “normal” for sonata form? If not, explain.

Yes, In sonata form, in major keys, Theme 2 is normally in the dominant (V)

 

3.     Chart the measures, keys, and cadences and describe the phrase structure of Theme 1 in the Exposition . Explain any asymmetries.

1-8                  9-20                21-29

F: HC              F: PAC            F: PAC

 

1-20 = asymmetrical, parallel period (interpolation in mm. 15-18). I hear mm. 21-29 as a cadential extension.

OR

1-29 = asymmetrical, parallel (3-phrase) period with two consequent phrases

 

4.     Chart the measures, keys, and cadences and describe the phrase structure of Theme 2 in the Exposition. Explain any asymmetries.

mm. 57-64      mm. 65-72

C: HC                   F: PAC

 

57-72 = symmetrical, parallel period with two symmetrical phrases

 

5.     Chart the measures, keys, cadences, and motivic basis (Theme 1, Theme 2, or new motive?) of each subsection in the Development.

This question is less important, but: 115-166, Transitional and Theme 1 material (A minor, Bb major, etc.), then 167-178 dominant preparation

 

6.     Compare each section in the recapitulation with its corresponding section in the exposition. Explain any differences in length, keys, motives, etc. Be specific.

Theme 1: Modulation to D-flat, PAC in G-flat (m. 198 and m. 206), slightly shorter

Transition: Shorter, ends with HC in F (as expected)

Theme 2: In F (as expected)

Closing Section: In F (as expected), New material in m. 274, which prepares the coda.

 

7.     Identify any codettas. If there is an introduction, list the measure numbers and describe its harmonic and motivic relationships with the rest of the composition. If there is a coda, list the measure numbers and describe its harmonic and motivic relationships with the rest of the work.

 

Codettas: Measures 101-114 and mm. 262-281 may be considered codettas since they each follow a PAC and serve to extend the section. They are still a part of the Closing Section.. After brief transitional material (mm. 274-281), a coda begins in m. 282.

 

Coda: 282-313, based on fragments of Theme 1 (a codetta within the coda is mm. 302-313).

 

8.     Analyze the key, harmonies, and any sequences in mm. 97-101. Write your analysis below.

c:         i

VI

vii°7/V = a: vii°65/V

(enharmonic mod.)

Gr.+6

i64      iv = C: ii      V

(common chord)

I

PAC

 

The end of m. 99 and beginning of m. 100 is difficult to analyze harmonically. While these chords are functioning as passing chords, they may be analyzed as above. F#-A-C-Eb is viio7/V in C minor and (F#-A-C-D#) is viio65/V in A minor. We may view the next chord as enharmonic, as well. F-A-C-Eb does not resolve like a normal V7 but outward, as if it were spelled F-A-C-D#, to i64 (a cadential six-four) in A minor. (Schubert's "Die Liebe hat Gelogen", p. 311, m. 16 is similar.)

 

NOTES:

·      The first theme has irregular phrasing. Other interpretations are possible.

·      The second theme has regular phrasing but its beginning is somewhat unclear due to the link in mm. 55-56. Theme 2 begins with the pickup to m. 57 with the G-A motion, which resembles the scale degree 5-6 motive from theme 1 (mm. 2 and 4).

·      The beginning of the closing section overlaps with the end of the second theme. This is fairly common.