Analyzing Classical Form

CHAPTER

Concerto Form

Short Answer

closing section of the exposition
within the closing ritornello
main theme, transition, subordinate theme
solo exposition and solo recapitulation
advantages—the idea relates the two rotations of opening ritornello and solo exposition to the repeated exposition of sonata form, and it explains the need to recapitulate ideas from both sections in the solo recapitulation; disadvantages—suggests a stronger relationship to sonata form than is the case, distorts the historical derivation of concerto form
a new main theme appearing at the start of the solo exposition
they provide the opportunity for extensive display of the performer’s virtuosic abilities
a solo subordinate theme featuring continuous rhythmic activity in sixteenth notes; the initial appearance of the theme is often relatively short, thus raising expectations that more of the theme must follow
because in order to recapitulate differing material originally presented in both the opening ritornello and solo exposition, it must create a new succession of events