rhizoverbBeta
DictionarysonataInstrumental composition
noun

sonata

suh-NAH-tuh/səˈnɑːtə/

A classical instrumental composition, usually in several movements.

The violinist and pianist perform a sonata from their open scores.

A violin-and-piano chamber performance with open notated scores makes the frozen sense recognizable: a classical composition played by a small instrumental group.
Etymology
sonItalianto sound
+ataItalianfeminine past-participle ending

The pieces express “sounded”: music played on instruments rather than sung. The name later narrowed from instrumental compositions generally to a particular type of classical work.

In context

VoicesOfChangeDallas16:18
balloon twist art while being accompanied by an oboe sonata
Erin Hannigan oboist Interview

More examples

  • The sonata opens with a slow, gentle movement.
  • They perform a sonata for violin and piano.
  • She practices Mozart's piano sonatas every morning.

Forms

sonata · sonatas

Similar words

suite
Groups separate pieces, often dances, rather than following sonata structure.
concerto
Features a soloist or soloists accompanied by an orchestra.