the is an essential characteristic of sonata form
a. sudden cresendo
b. absence of harmony
c. fluctuation of rhythm
d. development of themes
The essential characteristic of sonata form is the development of themes. This means that the musical material introduced at the beginning of the piece, known as the exposition, is transformed, varied, and explored in different ways throughout the development section. The development section often involves modulation to different keys, rhythmic and melodic variations, contrapuntal techniques, and fragmentation of themes. This process of developing and exploring the initial thematic material adds depth and complexity to the composition.
To determine the correct answer to your question, we can look at each option and see which one aligns with the essential characteristic of sonata form.
a. Sudden crescendo: While dynamics, including crescendos, can be an important element in music, it is not a defining characteristic of sonata form. Crescendos represent changes in volume (gradually getting louder), rather than the development of themes.
b. Absence of harmony: Harmony, which refers to the combination of different musical pitches played at the same time, is actually an integral part of sonata form. Therefore, the absence of harmony is not a characteristic of this form.
c. Fluctuation of rhythm: While rhythm can certainly change and fluctuate throughout a piece of music, it is not the distinguishing feature of sonata form. Sonata form focuses more on the development of themes, rather than specifically on rhythmic changes.
d. Development of themes: This is the correct answer. As explained earlier, the development of themes is the essential characteristic of sonata form. Through this process, the composer takes the initial thematic material and manipulates it in various ways, expanding and transforming it throughout the composition.
Therefore, the correct answer is d. development of themes.