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Webster 1913 Edition
Sonata
So-na′ta
,Noun.
[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.☞ 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.
Webster 1828 Edition
Sonata
SON'ATA
,Noun.