In sonata form, what is the transitional passage between the first and second subjects called?

In sonata form, what is the transitional passage between the first and second subjects called?

• A. Cadence
• B. Bridge
• C. Codetta
• D. Ritornello

Answer: (B)

In sonata form, the passage that links the first subject in the home key to the second subject in a new key is called the bridge (also known as the transition). Its job is to move harmony away from the tonic and toward the key of the second theme, often sliding toward the dominant in major keys or the relative key in minor keys. This section typically features more modulation and harmonic motion, creating momentum that sets up the contrast between the first and second subjects. Cadence is a rest point at the end of a phrase, not the connecting bridge between subjects. Codetta is a brief concluding figure or section that wraps up the exposition, usually after the bridge, before the exposition repeats. Ritornello refers to a recurring refrain typical of Baroque form, not a feature of the standard sonata-form exposition.

In sonata form, the passage that links the first subject in the home key to the second subject in a new key is called the bridge (also known as the transition). Its job is to move harmony away from the tonic and toward the key of the second theme, often sliding toward the dominant in major keys or the relative key in minor keys. This section typically features more modulation and harmonic motion, creating momentum that sets up the contrast between the first and second subjects.

Cadence is a rest point at the end of a phrase, not the connecting bridge between subjects. Codetta is a brief concluding figure or section that wraps up the exposition, usually after the bridge, before the exposition repeats. Ritornello refers to a recurring refrain typical of Baroque form, not a feature of the standard sonata-form exposition.