səˈnɑ:tə n. a
composition for one instrument or
two (one usu.
being a piano accompaniment), usu. in
several movements
with one (esp.
the first) or
more in sonata
form. øsonata form a
type of composition in
three sections (exposition,
development,
and recapitulation) in
which two themes (or subjects) are explored
according to set key relationships. [It., = sounded (orig. as
distinct from sung): fem.
past part. of sonare sound]