A recent question about Mozart...?

Question

was asked by a young lady regarding the form of the second movement of Mozart's Piano concerto in A K. 488. (A number of responders rightly gave her hell for asking us to do her homework -- some very amusing exchanges) But It piqued my interest and I did a superficial analysis.

3 sections, A-B-A, each A section in the key of f#minor with nearly identical material, the middle with new material in the relative major - A. What is the form?

Best answer goes to first correct answer.


Thanks

Answer 1

Ternary form. A ternary form has 3 sections in the piece like you said, with the middle section composed of new and contrasting material, and the outer sections being based on the same material but perhaps modified a little here and there. Most 2nd movements of Classical period sonatas/concerti are in Ternary form, not Binary - in contrast to what 1 answerer said. Binary forms are more commonly found in Baroque dances. If I'm not wrong, this 2nd movement (of the K488) is commonly described as a Siciliano because of its 6/8 time signature, slow tempo and minor key. But it's definitely Ternary form.

*no, Sonatas are usually in Sonata form (which is very different from Binary form) for the 1st movement, ternary form for a slow 2nd movement, and a quick 3rd movement usually in Rondo form. I played enough sonatas to know it by heart now, and I've studied forms in music before (still studying now). unless you're talking about early one-movement Baroque keyboard sonatas by Scarlatti - those are mostly Binary form.

Answer 2

Since there are already correct answers above I will just say this:

Those responders who say ternary are correct.

Sonata form (and it's cousin sonatina form) are off the mark for one very important reason:

In the first A section there is no modulation to the relative major. It begins and ends in f# minor aside from a short transistional passage that serves as a bridge to B. That alone disqualifies it.

Answer 3

Sounds like Ternary form. The ternary principle is fundamentally one of statement, contrast, and restatement. Thus, it is embodied in pieces of music that are divided into three main parts, the second of which is perceived as differing substantially from similar first and third parts. The parts of standard ternary movements are labeled A-B-A.

Ternary songs often modulate to the relative major or minor, resolving back to the tonic key at the restatement of the A.

Answer 4

If you like Debussy and Mahler, try Bizet, Ravel, Franz Liszt and Richard Strauss.

Answer 5

Without a score, I'm with them. Ternary.

Answer 6

Sounds like sonata form to me.

Answer 7

Sonatina in F?