sonata

A sonata is a Western art music work, typically for one or more instruments, and usually in several movements. The term comes from the Italian sonata, meaning something sounded. In the Baroque era, 'sonata' referred to a variety of instrumental pieces, broadly divided into sonata da chiesa (church sonata) and sonata da camera (chamber sonata).

In the Classical period the term began to denote a more formal, structured work for keyboard alone or for keyboard with a solo instrument, often in three movements. The first movement is commonly in sonata form (also called sonata-allegro form), featuring an exposition with at least two themes in contrasting keys, a development of motives, and a recapitulation in the home key, sometimes with an introduction and a coda.

Beyond the classical era, the designation 'sonata' appears in countless works for piano, violin, cello, and other instruments, such as the piano sonatas of Mozart, Beethoven, and Chopin. The term does not imply a single fixed structure beyond a broad expectation of a multi-movement, often dramatic piece. The related term 'sonatina' denotes a shorter or simpler work.

In modern usage, the term Sonata also refers to the Hyundai Sonata, a mid-size sedan introduced in 1985 and produced by Hyundai Motor Company. It has undergone multiple generations and is marketed worldwide as a practical family car.