sonata form

noun

1. a musical form comprising an exposition, in which the main theme or themes are stated, a development section, a recapitulation of the material in the exposition, and, usually, a coda.

sonata form

noun

1. a musical structure consisting of an expanded ternary form whose three sections (exposition, development, and recapitulation), followed by a coda, are characteristic of the first movement in a sonata, symphony, string quartet, concerto, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of sonata form¹

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

This work consists of one movement (Allegro) in sonata-form.

From Project Gutenberg

It is important to distinguish between sonata and sonata-form.

From Project Gutenberg

Sonata-form, as will be shown later on, has been evolved from old binary form.

From Project Gutenberg

The sonata-form of the first movement in each case may have suggested the title.

From Project Gutenberg

The first movement is an allegro in sonata form, kept within narrow limits, the second is a simple romanza, followed by the rondo.

From Project Gutenberg