Schenker`s perspective on Sonata Form: First Movement of Mozart`s Sonata for Piano and Violin KV 304

Abstract

Schenker analysis, considered one of the most complex musical analyses, but also one of the most rational, is the one that leads to developing one’s ability to understand a musical work in an absolute sense, from both the performer’s and the listener’s perspective. Schenker brings a new vision to the musical form by considering harmonics as being decisive in determining its distinct sections. The essence of Schenker’s concept resides in putting the notion of sonata form (as a general construction) next to the concept of structural levels. The perspective it offers, on the whole, is based precisely on this reduction of structural levels, giving signification to all composing and performing elements, at the same time.