Elements of Sonata Theory is a comprehensive rethinking of the basic principles of sonata form in the decades around 1800. This foundational study outlines a new, up-to-date paradigm for understanding the compositional choices found in the instrumental works of Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven: sonatas, chamber music, symphonies, overtures, and concertos. will surely be valued for its encyclopedic compilation of interesting music analytical observations on a wealth of sonata excerpts