Category:Sonata

So*na"ta, n. Etym: [it., fr. It. & l. sonare to sound. See sound a Noise.] (mus.)

Defn: an extended composition for one or two instruments, consisting Usually of three or four movements; as, beethoven's sonatas for the Piano, for the violin and piano, etc.

Note: the same general structure prevails in symphonies, instrumental Trios, quartets, etc., and even in classical concertos. The sonata Form, distinctively, characterizes the quick opening movement, which May have a short, slow introduction; the second, or slow, movement is Either in the song or variation form; third comes the playful minuet Of the more modern scherzo; then the quick finale in the rondo form. But both form and order are sometimes exceptional.