Page "Sonata form" Paragraph 15

The Classical era established the norms of structuring first movements and the standard layouts of multi-movement works.

There was a period of a wide variety of layouts and formal structures within first movements that gradually became expected norms of composition.

The practice of Haydn and Mozart, as well as other notable composers, became increasingly influential on a generation that sought to exploit the possibilities offered by the forms that Haydn and Mozart had established in their works.

In time, theory on the layout of the first movement became more and more focused on understanding the practice of Haydn, Mozart, and, later, Beethoven.

Their works were studied, patterns and exceptions to those patterns identified, and the boundaries of acceptable or usual practice set by the understanding of their works.

The sonata form as it is described is strongly identified with the norms of the Classical period in music.

Even before it had been described the form had become central to music making, absorbing or altering other formal schemas for works.

Examples include Beethoven's Appassionata sonata.