\So*na"ta\, n. [It., fr. It. & L. sonare to sound. See
{Sound} a noise.] (Mus.)
An extended composition for one or two instruments,
consisting usually of three or four movements; as,
Beethoven's sonatas for the piano, for the violin and piano,
etc.
Note: The same general structure prevails in symphonies,
      instrumental trios, quartets, etc., and even in
      classical concertos. The sonata form, distinctively,
      characterizes the quick opening movement, which may
      have a short, slow introduction; the second, or slow,
      movement is either in the song or variation form; third
      comes the playful minuet of the more modern scherzo;
      then the quick finale in the rondo form. But both form
      and order are sometimes exceptional.