Sonatina

A sonatina is a short, light, or simplified sonata-like musical work, typically written for keyboard but also found for other instruments or small ensembles. The term comes from the Italian diminutive of sonata, meaning “little sonata,” and is often used to indicate a work that is easier or more compact than a full-scale sonata.

Historically, sonatinas were common in the 18th and 19th centuries and frequently served as pedagogical pieces or salon repertoire. They are commonly associated with piano teaching, though composers occasionally wrote sonatinas for other instruments. The label does not prescribe a strict formal rule, and sonatinas may vary in length and movement structure.

Musically, a sonatina typically features simpler textures and technical demands than a mature sonata. It is often organized in two or three movements, frequently in fast–slow–fast order, or in binary or simple ternary forms. Outer movements may prioritize lyricism or clarity of themes over dramatic development. The overall character tends to be lighter and more straightforward than that of a full sonata.

Notable examples include the many piano sonatinas by Muzio Clementi, notably in his Op. 36 set, which became standard teaching repertoire. Friedrich Kuhlau and other composers also produced influential pedagogical sonatinas. In later periods, the title continued to be used for shorter, accessible works, though the distinction from other short pieces (such as character pieces) is sometimes blurred.

In summary, a sonatina is a compact, approachable version of a sonata, valued for its educational role as well as its concise, pleasant musical ideas.