sonata form

noun

: a musical form that consists basically of an exposition, a development, and a recapitulation and that is used especially for the first movement of a sonata

Examples of sonata form in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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To these older materials, however, the work adds more adventurous harmonies and stretches the older sonata form. San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Apr. 2022 Contrary to classical sonata form there is no slow movement, no brooding themes, nothing to detract from the buoyant mood. David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Aug. 2020

Word History

First Known Use

1858, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sonata form was in 1858

Dictionary Entries Near sonata form

Cite this Entry

“Sonata form.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sonata%20form. Accessed 20 Feb. 2025.

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