Which music form typically includes an exposition, a development, and a recapitulation?

The sonata-allegro form is a foundational structure in classical music, particularly prevalent in the first movement of sonatas, symphonies, and chamber works. This form is characterized by its three main sections: exposition, development, and recapitulation.

In the exposition, the primary themes are introduced—typically, this section presents two contrasting themes in different keys. This sets the stage for the tension and exploration that follows.

The development section takes the themes from the exposition and manipulates them, often changing keys, transforming rhythms, and combining themes in new ways. This creates a sense of drama and complexity, propelling the music forward.

Finally, the recapitulation revisits the initial themes presented in the exposition, but this time, both themes are usually played in the home key. This resolution provides closure and reaffirms the thematic material established earlier in the movement.

Other forms such as fugue, variation, and round do not follow this tripartite structure. A fugue focuses on interweaving melodic lines and counterpoint, while variation form relies on altering a single theme rather than developing different sections. A round involves voices singing the same melody but starting at different times, which significantly differs from the nuanced development process characteristic of the