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Analysing Classical Sonatas - MUS00176I

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  • Department: Music
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Daniel March
  • Credit value: 10 credits
  • Credit level: I
  • Academic year of delivery: 2021-22

Module summary

This module provides an approach to the discussion of Sonata form; through the module students will learn how analyse tonal music in detail, to apply methodologies from recent writings within the field of Formenlehre, and to (re)construct some music for themselves.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Spring Term 2021-22

Module aims

‘Sonata Form’ is one of the most familiar ways in which composers of the Classical period and beyond structured music – but what actually does it involve?  What are the principles that we can draw from the study of the music in question? How might we then effectively theorise about it?  This project will consider some of those questions by looking at the analysis of music by Haydn, Beethoven, Mozart, and Schubert.  We will take as our ‘text’ James Hepokoski’s Sonata Theory Textbook and work through his presentation of ideas from his and Warren Darcy’s Elements of Sonata Theory.  Not only we will consider the music through this lens, but we will also consider the theory itself, and place it in the context of other writers.  Students will have the possibility to show their understanding of this music either through a written analysis (which can range further afield in terms of historical period) or a stylistic composition of a sonata movement.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the taught part of the module, students should:

  • Be able to study, in detail, compositional structures and processes revealed within a range of works from the Classical period;

  • develop analytical skills and techniques and extend in-depth knowledge of specific repertoire;

  • apply theoretical writing to the study of music, and begin to think critically about the application of such theoretical approaches;

  • be able to communicate analytical understanding in either written or musical form.

Second years: On completion of the module, in their independent work, students should demonstrate learning outcomes B1-6 and, depending on submission route, B9 or B10. https://www.york.ac.uk/music/undergraduate/modules/learning-outcomes/

 

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark Group
Essay/coursework
Essay 2500 words		 N/A 100 A
Essay/coursework
Composition		 N/A 100 B

Special assessment rules

None

Additional assessment information

There is a choice of assessment. Either:

An essay of approx. 2500 words which presents an analysis of a choice of sonata movement (including from outside the Classical period, where appropriate) agreed in discussion with the module tutor (100%);

Or

A composition of a sonata movement, of appropriate length and complexity to the style adopted, written for string quartet, piano solo, or piano and one other instrument (violin, cello, etc) (100%).

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark Group
Essay/coursework
Essay 2500 words		 N/A 100 A
Essay/coursework
Composition		 N/A 100 B

Module feedback

Mark and feedback within 20 working days of submission of assessment.

Indicative reading

Our textbook will be:

Hepokoski, James.  A Sonata Theory Handbook.  Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2021.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.