Similarities
- Both sonata form and ternary form consist of three main sections:
- An exposition that introduces the main themes of the piece.
- A development section that elaborates on the themes introduced in the exposition.
- A recapitulation that restates the main themes in the same order as they were presented in the exposition.
Differences
- The main difference between sonata form and ternary form is the way the development section is structured.
- In sonata form, the development section is typically longer and more complex than in ternary form. It often involves extensive use of modulation, chromaticism, and counterpoint.
- In ternary form, the development section is usually shorter and less developed. It often consists of a simple repetition or variation of the main themes.
- Another difference between sonata form and ternary form is the way the recapitulation is structured.
- In sonata form, the recapitulation is an exact repeat of the exposition, except for the ending, which is modified to bring the piece to a close.
- In ternary form, the recapitulation is not an exact repeat of the exposition. It often includes variations or modifications of the main themes.
Overall, sonata form is a more complex and elaborate musical structure than ternary form. It is often used in larger-scale works, such as symphonies, concertos, and sonatas. Ternary form, on the other hand, is a simpler structure that is often used in smaller-scale works, such as dance movements and songs.