In which section of sonata form is tonal balance typically reinstated?

In sonata form, the recapitulation is the section where the tonal balance is typically reinstated. This part of the form serves to bring back the material presented in the exposition, but this time both themes are in the home key, which creates a sense of resolution and completeness. The recapitulation restates the primary theme and the secondary theme, ensuring that the harmonic tension established earlier is resolved.

In contrast, the exposition introduces themes and the fundamental tonal conflict, typically moving from the home key to a contrasting key. The development section explores and varies this material, often creating further instability as it modulates through different keys. The introduction, while it sets the stage for the other sections, is not where the tonal balance is reinstated since it does not contain the main thematic material in its resolved form. Thus, the recapitulation is essential for restoring the harmonic and thematic balance that is central to the integrity of the sonata form.