sonata form

American  

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.

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sonata form British  

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

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Etymology

Origin of sonata form

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

As Beethoven grew older, his sonata form got shorter and shorter.

From New York Times

“Two hours is a long time for a kid to watch something like that. But a ‘Columbo’ episode is akin to a strangely modified sonata form — kind of like Beethoven’s mastery of it.”

From New York Times

He reverted to the regular classical four-movement sonata forms that were already becoming tired in the early 19th century when Romantic excess was the rage.

From Los Angeles Times

“I sometimes argue in sonata form, sometimes in theme and variations,” said Mr. Wallace, who played with local groups and in an informal ensemble featuring Condoleezza Rice, a former secretary of state.

From Washington Post

It has an opening in sonata form, with a first subject, a second subject, a development section, a recapitulation and a cadenza.

From New York Times