# sonata

/səˈnɑtə/ (US) · /sənˈɑːtɐ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sonata
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

a long piece of classical music written for one or two instruments. It usually has three or four parts that each have a different speed or mood.

For teachers: a multi-movement composition for one or more instruments, typically following a specific structural pattern such as exposition, development, and recapitulation. Often features a solo instrument accompanied by a piano.

## Examples

- She practices the piano sonata every morning.
- The young cellist chose a challenging sonata by Beethoven for her final recital at the conservatory.
- While the early classical sonata followed a rigid three-movement structure, later romantic composers expanded the form to include more emotional depth and complex harmonic shifts.

## Usage notes

- Often paired with the name of an instrument, such as 'piano sonata' or 'violin sonata'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.