suonata

Suonata is an Italian noun derived from the verb suonare, meaning to play an instrument or to sound. In general use, suonata refers to a performance or the act of playing music; it can also denote a piece of music that has been played or is intended to be played, especially in informal or descriptive language. A musician might speak of “una suonata virtuosistica” to describe a demanding solo performance, or writers may refer to “la suonata di un brano” when describing its execution.

Etymology and usage: The term is the feminine form of the past participle suonato and functions as a noun in everyday Italian. It is not a technical designation of a musical form. In English-language contexts, the term is rare and is usually translated as “a performance” or “a played piece.”

Relation to sonata: Suonata should not be confused with sonata, a well-defined musical form that typically consists of multiple movements and a specific formal structure. Although related etymologically, suonata and sonata have different senses in Italian; sonata refers to a type of composed work, whereas suonata refers more generally to the act or result of playing.

Other uses: Besides music, suonata can appear in Italian-language descriptions of sound or instrument use and may occur in titles or notes referring to performances. In English-language music writing, the term is uncommon and often replaced with a more general translation.

See also: Sonata, Suonare, Italian language.