Sonata cycle

Sonata cycle has three uses in western classical music. It can be used in the concerto, symphony or solo sonata. Sonata cycle has three uses in western classical music. It can be used in the concerto, symphony or solo sonata. In the field of music theory, the term Sonata Cycle refers to the layout of a multi-movement work where the movements are recognizably in the forms of the tradition of classical music. It differs from the term cyclic form in that there is no unifying motive or theme used in all the movements. The standard sonata cycle has four movements, broken down as follows: The first movement is, by definition, written in sonata form, in a fast tempo (allegro), and in the home key of the overall piece. This movement can also be called the sonata-allegro. The second movement is usually written in a slow tempo, in another key, and in one of a variety of forms such as theme and variations, compound ternary form, rondo, or sonata. The third movement usually follows a dance-like form, such as Minuet and Trio form. It is commonly written in the home key.