How does the recapitulation resolve the main contrasts in sonata form?

In sonata form, the recapitulation resolves the structural and tonal conflicts established during the exposition by bringing the musical subject matter into a state of equilibrium.1

During the exposition, the movement introduces a primary tonal contrast: the first subject is presented in the tonic (home) key, while the second subject is presented in a different, closely related key (typically the dominant). The development section then subjects these themes to conflict and transformation.123

The recapitulation resolves these tensions by restating the principal subject matter of the movement, but with a critical adjustment: both the first and second subjects are typically presented in the tonic key. By aligning the second subject with the home key, the recapitulation reconciles the tonal opposition that defined the exposition. This process allows the listener to perceive the musical subjects in a new, unified relationship, effectively concluding the main argument of the movement.1