Expert: David Froom - 12/6/2009

Question
Hello, I'm currently working on an analysis of sonata form on the first movement of the Haydn symphony #97. I just cant seem to grasp the first and second key areas appart from each other. Also tere is a written repeat of the whole first section of the piece that is not commonly found in Sonata form. Can you clarify this for me?

Answer
This seems pretty clear to me.  The piece changes key, C to G, and a clear change of texture and mood, in the new key, with a new melody, begins -- after a grand pause -- at m. 76.  Granted, the transition section is a little bit long, and has, more or less, settled in G well before m. 76.  Is that where the confusion is?

Also the repeat, which goes back to the beginning of the Vivace is not only common, but, throughout Mozart and Haydn and into Beethoven, completely normal and common and even expected (Brahms used repeats of the exposition also).  It is an important part of sonata form definition, at least as practiced throughout the Classical period.

So I think you need to review your sonata form to get a better grasp of things.

David Froom