sonata form
nounUK /səˈnɑːtə fɔːm/
US /səˈnɑːtə fɔːrm/
a way of writing a piece of music with three main parts that fit together.
The teacher explained that the first movement of the symphony is in sonata form.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. a musical structure used mainly in first movements of sonatas, symphonies, and chamber works.
Many classical symphonies begin with a movement in sonata form.
3. a teaching model in music theory for analyzing how a piece is organized.
The students learned sonata form by mapping the themes in the exposition.
4. a pattern of presenting, developing, and restating musical ideas.
The composer played with sonata form by changing the order of the themes.