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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
To these older materials, however, the work adds more adventurous harmonies and stretches the older sonata form.
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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.
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David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Aug. 2020
By 1784, sonata form had imprinted itself on the listening culture enough to feel like instinct; Vienna audiences could rest comfortably in the run of classical forms as familiar—and thus enjoyable—narratives.
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Aaron Gilbreath, Longreads, 29 May 2020
This short, exciting opener sets themes from the eponymous operetta in a classical sonata form with an exposition, development, and recapitulation.
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Jessica Rudman, courant.com, 13 Oct. 2019
However, the order of those movements doesn’t follow the classical model of fast sonata form followed by a slow movement, a dance movement (usually a minuet or scherzo), and a fast sonata or rondo finale.
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Jessica Rudman, courant.com, 13 Oct. 2019
But longevity allowed him a career in almost perfect sonata form, with a final period that recapitulated some of the joy of the first without ever trying to evade what had come between.
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Douglas Murray, National Review, 11 July 2019
In early 19th century Vienna, however, long, tuneful melodies weren’t easily adapted into four-movement sonata forms like symphonies or string quartets.
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Christian Hertzog, sandiegouniontribune.com, 25 Mar. 2018
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Word History
First Known Use
1858, in the meaning defined above
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 6 Feb. 2025.
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