'Sonata' definitions:
Definition of 'sonata'
From: WordNet
noun
A musical composition of 3 or 4 movements of contrasting forms
Definition of 'Sonata'
From: GCIDE
- Sonata \So*na"ta\, n. [It., fr. It. & L. sonare to sound. See Sound a noise.] (Mus.) 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. [1913 Webster]
- 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 or the more modern scherzo; then the quick finale in the rondo form. But both form and order are sometimes exceptional. [1913 Webster]
Synonyms of 'sonata'
From: Moby Thesaurus
- absolute music,
- adaptation,
- air varie,
- aleatory,
- aleatory music,
- arrangement,
- chamber music,
- chamber orchestra,
- composition,
- descant,
- electronic music,
- etude,
- exercise,
- harmonization,
- incidental music,
- instrumental music,
- invention,
- Nachtmusik,
- nocturne,
- opus,
- orchestration,
- piece,
- production,
- program music,
- ricercar,
- score,
- sonatina,
- string orchestra,
- string quartet,
- study,
- theme and variations,
- trio,
- variation,
- work