SONATA FORM:

The opening fast movement of a classical symphony, sonata, or string quartet is usually in sonata form. It is also used in slow movements and in fast concluding movements. A single sonata-form movement may be outlined as follows:

EXPOSITION:

First theme in tonic key

Bridge containing modulation from home key to new key

Second theme in new key

Closing section in key of second theme

DEVELOPMENT:

New treatment of themes; modulations to different keys

RECAPITULATION:

First theme in tonic key

Bridge

Second theme in tonic key

Closing section in tonic key

(CODA):

In tonic key