Recapitulation
The return of a formal section, above all of the exposition in sonata form.
What it means
Recapitulation (in German Reprise, French for "resumption") denotes the return of a formal section. Usually it means the third part of sonata form, in which the material of the exposition returns. The taking up again of an earlier section in songs, dances and rondos is also called a reprise; in everyday use it is also the repetition of a piece.
Musical use
In sonata form the main theme returns in the recapitulation in the home key. The second subject now also appears in the home key, so that the harmonic tension of the exposition is resolved. The recapitulation is usually not a mere repetition: composers alter it, shorten it or insert new material. It follows the development, which works through the material.
The recapitulation should be distinguished from the exposition, the first part, and from the da capo, which calls for a complete repeat of the beginning.
Performance practice
In the recapitulation, pay attention to the return of the themes and their changes. Give weight to the moment of return, for here the music arrives after the tension of the development. Note also the home key, which now creates calm.