Sonata

usgb/səˈnɑːtə/
noun

A piece of music that has three or four parts and is usually written for one instrument.

Beethoven's 'Moonlight Sonata' is a masterful composition.
Visual representation of "sonata" - A piece of music that has three or four parts and is usually written for one instrument.

Often appears as...

  • piano sonata
  • violin sonata

Usage tips

Musical

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Visual representation of "sonata"
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Classical Genre

A sonata is often associated with classical music, not pop or rock.

Illustration for Classical Genre
Mozart composed many sonatas for the piano.
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Instrumental Focus

Sonatas are typically instrumental, without vocals or lyrics.

Illustration for Instrumental Focus
She played a violin sonata at the recital.
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Structured Parts

A sonata usually has multiple movements, each with distinct character.

Illustration for Structured Parts
The second movement of his sonata was slow and contemplative.
Visual representation of the word "Sonata"

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