Which trait is a characteristic of the transition theme as it occurs during the exposition of a sonata-allegro form?
A. It develops the thematic material presented in the exposition.
B. It ends with a final cadence in which the harmonic motion slows to just two chords.
C. It generally has a strong melodic identity of its own.
D. It is sometimes referred to as the bridge theme because it carries the music from one key to another.
E. Slow and stately, it is designed to get listeners wondering what sort of musical excursion they are about to take.
Answer (2)
In sonata-allegro form, the transition theme serves as a crucial link or 'bridge' between sections, aiding the shift from one key to another. It introduces new material while preparing the listener for the forthcoming themes. The key characteristic is its role in transitioning between keys, which makes it a fundamental element of the exposition. ;
The transition theme in sonata-allegro form acts as a bridge between themes, highlighting its role in changing keys from tonic to dominant. This characteristic makes the transition crucial for preparing listeners for new material. Thus, the best answer choice is D: it carries the music from one key to another.
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