In sonata form, what are the typical keys for the first and second subjects?

In sonata form, what are the typical keys for the first and second subjects?

• A. First in dominant, second in tonic
• B. First in tonic, second in dominant or relative minor
• C. Both in tonic
• D. First in relative major, second in relative minor

Answer: (B)

In sonata form, the exposition presents two themes in related but distinct keys to create contrast and set up the return of the tonic. The first subject stays in the home key, establishing the tonal center. The second subject moves to a different key to heighten drama and prepare for development; in a piece in a major key this is usually the dominant, while in minor-key works a closely related key is often used (commonly the relative major or another closely related area, depending on the mode). This pattern—the first in the tonic and the second in a key such as the dominant or a related key—provides the essential contrast that drives the form forward.

In sonata form, the exposition presents two themes in related but distinct keys to create contrast and set up the return of the tonic. The first subject stays in the home key, establishing the tonal center. The second subject moves to a different key to heighten drama and prepare for development; in a piece in a major key this is usually the dominant, while in minor-key works a closely related key is often used (commonly the relative major or another closely related area, depending on the mode). This pattern—the first in the tonic and the second in a key such as the dominant or a related key—provides the essential contrast that drives the form forward.