Recapitulation
Definition. The closing main section of a sonata-form movement, restating the exposition’s themes in the home key.
Detailed Explanation
The recapitulation is the closing main section of a sonata-form movement. Its function is to restate (‘recapitulate’) the themes from the exposition, but with all themes now in the home key — providing a sense of structural resolution after the harmonic adventures of the development.
The recapitulation typically follows the exposition’s structure: first theme group (now still in home key), transitional passage (modified to stay in home key), second theme group (now in home key, where it was previously in a related key), closing section. The harmonic ‘resolution’ of bringing the second theme back to home key is essential to sonata form’s sense of completion.
The moment of recapitulation — the return of the opening material in the home key — is typically one of the most dramatically satisfying moments in classical music. Beethoven made the recapitulation particularly dramatic; many of his recapitulations arrive with extra rhetorical weight, as if the music is finally coming home.
Etymology
Latin recapitulatio, from recapitulare (‘to repeat in summary’), from re- + capitulum (‘chapter, head’).
In Practice
Play the recapitulation with a sense of arrival. The audience has heard these themes before in the exposition; now they return in the home key, more familiar and more conclusive. Mark the homecoming.
Notable Examples
- Beethoven — Symphonies and sonatas (dramatic recapitulations)
- Mozart — Sonata form movements (elegant recapitulations)
Related Terms
Opposite Of
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Recapitulation mean in music?
The closing main section of a sonata-form movement, restating the exposition’s themes in the home key.
Where does the word Recapitulation come from?
Latin recapitulatio, from recapitulare (‘to repeat in summary’), from re- + capitulum (‘chapter, head’).
How is Recapitulation performed in practice?
Play the recapitulation with a sense of arrival. The audience has heard these themes before in the exposition; now they return in the home key, more familiar and more conclusive. Mark the homecoming.
What are common abbreviations for Recapitulation?
Recapitulation is commonly abbreviated as recap.
What musical terms are related to Recapitulation?
Related terms include: Exposition, Development, Theme.
Practice with Songtive's free tools
Hear this term applied — explore chord charts, fingerings and the music engine.
Piano chordsGuitar chordsVirtual piano
