Sonatas

Literally means a piece played (as opposed to a cantata, a piece sung). Though sonata can take different meanings depending on the context and time period, it is most often refered to as a large-scale intrumental work organized in a specific form. The most common layout of movements in a sonata follows the pattern: the 1st movement, the allegro, introduces and develops the theme. The 2nd movement, usually slow, is followed by a dance movement leading to the Finale movement which closes the four-part sonata. Sonatas composed in the early classical period often follow a 3-movement structure, ommiting the dance movement which was introduced later on.