Recapitulation (music)

In music, the recapitulation is one of the sections of a movement written in sonata form. It occurs after the development section, and essentially restates the exposition. However, unlike the exposition, which typically presents the themes in different keys, the recapitulation presents all of the primary thematic material in the tonic key.

The function of the recapitulation is to provide a sense of resolution and closure to the movement. By returning to the thematic material from the exposition, but now grounded in the tonic key, the recapitulation resolves the harmonic tension created during the development.

While the recapitulation generally mirrors the exposition in terms of thematic content, it is not always a literal repeat. Variations, embellishments, or slight alterations may be introduced. The bridge section that originally modulated to the dominant key in the exposition is often altered to remain in the tonic key during the recapitulation, ensuring that the second subject also appears in the tonic.

In some cases, a coda may follow the recapitulation to further solidify the sense of finality.