sonata

American  

[suh-nah-tuh] / səˈnɑ tə /

noun

Music.

1. a composition for one or two instruments, typically in three or four movements in contrasted forms and keys.

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sonata British  

/ səˈnɑːtə /

noun

1. an instrumental composition, usually in three or more movements, for piano alone ( piano sonata ) or for any other instrument with or without piano accompaniment ( violin sonata , cello sonata , etc) See also sonata form symphony concerto

2. a one-movement keyboard composition of the baroque period

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sonata Cultural  

1. A musical composition for one or two instruments, usually in three or four movements. The sonata of the classic era in music had a definite arrangement for its movements: the first and fourth had a fast tempo, the second had a slow tempo, and the third was in either playful style (a “scherzo”) or in dance form (a “minuet”).

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Etymology

Origin of sonata

1685–95; < Italian < Latin sonāta, feminine of sonātus (past participle of sonāre to sound ¹ ). See sonant, -ate ¹

Compare meaning

How does sonata compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• sonata vs. concerto

Example Sentences

The sonata does not have the vibrant complexity of Walker’s commanding later works, but it is tight, strong, accessible and with an inspired slow movement that it would be hard to get enough of.

From Los Angeles Times

But a startling number of pieces—symphonies, sonatas, madrigals, sonnets, even ambitious operas—were composed to the highest standards of professional musicianship.

From The Wall Street Journal

“When Harry Met Sally” rings so true because there isn’t a single false note in its lovely sonata.

From Salon

In fact, this may be one reason why Brahms’ only solo music for viola was an alternate version he made of his two clarinet sonatas composed near the end of his life.

From Los Angeles Times

“He talks about the Beethoven sonatas and then slips back into another world.”

From Los Angeles Times