THE ALLEGRO FORM STRUCTURE AND HARMONIC ANALYSIS OF WOLFGANG AMEDEUS MOZART’S SONATA NO.9 IN D MAJOR, K.311

Abstract

In this study, the formal and harmonic structures of the allegro movement, which is generally the first movement of sonatas, were analyzed through a selected composer and work. The research focuses on the sonata-allegro form in the first movement of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Piano Sonata No. 9 in D Major, K. 311, examining its formal and harmonic aspects. Using the document analysis method, the work was presented graphically through musical notation. The piece was analyzed by means of scale-degree labeling and the lead sheet method, and its themes, harmonic structure, formal design, and the bridges between sections were demonstrated through notation-based analysis. By analyzing the exposition, development, and recapitulation sections of the work, the findings reveal that Mozart skillfully established the balance between form and harmony in the Classical sonata tradition and employed tonal direction in a way that enhanced expressive power. The study is significant in that it provides a methodological example for the analytical examination of Classical sonata form. While offering an analytical model for students studying music theory, harmony, and form analysis, it also aims to contribute to performers’ interpretation of the work by fostering structural and tonal awareness. In this way, the study seeks to bring an interdisciplinary perspective to both theoretical and practical music studies.