Which of the following elements is commonly found in a classical sonata?

In classical music, particularly in the structure of a sonata, three key sections are prominently featured: exposition, development, and recapitulation.

The exposition introduces the main themes or ideas of the piece, often presenting contrasting musical material. The development section takes these themes and elaborates on them, exploring variations, modulations, and new material to create tension and complexity. Finally, the recapitulation brings back the themes from the exposition but typically resolves the tensions created during the development, providing a sense of closure and unity to the composition.

Understanding this structure is crucial in analyzing and interpreting classical sonatas, as it serves as a foundation for composers in this genre, guiding their creative process and shaping the listener's experience. The other options listed, while related to different musical forms and styles, do not reflect the specific framework commonly associated with classical sonatas.