Sonatina Form
Worksheet
Sonatina Form
(Students can look terms up and define on their worksheet. Answers may vary, but should include
some of the following. This worksheet can also be used for discussion during lesson time.)
What is a Sonatina?
-Literally means “small sonata”
-1st mvt. of a Sonatina typically follows 3 part sonata form, but with little
or no development of themes
-Typically there are 2 themes which are developed
-Sonatinas could be one or multiple movements
-Muzio Clementi is one of the most well-known composers of Sonatinas
What is a musical theme?
A musical theme is melody “subject” that is used throughout a
piece.
How many themes are usually found in a sonatina?
one or two themes
Let’s find theme #1!
Find & circle theme #1 in your music with a
color.
Now find theme #2!
Find & Circle theme #2 in your music in a
different color.
Sonatina Form
Worksheet
The first movement of a sonatina usually follows a simple 3-part
Sonata form:
1. Exposition: what is it?
The exposition presents the primary thematic material, usually one or two themes. A
theme is a melody that repeats throughout the piece. Typically, the exposition starts in
the home (tonic) key and modulates into a new key. Often it ends in the new key.
Usually the exposition is repeated.
❒ Now find the Exposition in your music. Write “Expo” above the measure where
it starts.
2. Development: what is it?
Usually the shorter of the two sections. This section develops the themes already
presented, often in the new key but sometimes shifting through various keys. It often
elaborates on fragments of the theme. Usually ends in the fifth (V) of the original key.
(e.g. home key = C major, development key = ends in G major).
❒ Now find the Development in your music. Write “Dev” above the measure
where it starts.
3. Recapitulation: what is it?
The recapitulation is literally a restatement of the exposition,except shorter. It includes
a pronounced ending, like a coda or V-I cadence. The recapitulation also stays in the
original key without modulation. This part of the sonata form offers closure to the
original theme.
❒ Now find the Recapitulation in your music. Write “Recap” above the measure
where it starts.
3-PART SONATINA FORM (EXP-DEV-RECAP)
A
B
A’
somewhat stable → unstable → very stable