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Sonata (It.) (so-nah'-tah)

"Sound piece." (1) The highest development of musical form. (2) In modern use, an extended composition with several movements for pianoforte, or pianoforte in conjunction with one other instrument. A composition of this class for more than two instruments is called trio, quartet, etc.; for full orchestra, a symphony. The "form" of the sonata (see Form) has undergone many modifications since it was first adopted, about the beginning of the 17th century. At first it was applied indifferently to any instrumental piece, such, for example, as were commonly called "airs." Those written for the harpsichord or for viols were called "sonata da camera." Those for the organ (or frequently those for harpsichord or viols, if written in grave style), "sonata da chiesa" (church sonata). The distinguishing characteristic of the modern sonata form is the possession of two themes in different keys (see Scheme in article Form). The gradual growth of this binary development may be traced in the works of Kuhnau, Scarlatti, Alberti, Durante, and others. The binary form was first definitely settled by Ph. E. Bach. The only changes made since have been the immense development given to the form by Beethoven, and the adoption of other keys for the second theme.

Sonata di chiesa (It.) (key - eh'-sa). church sonata; organ sonata.

Södermann, J. A. (sood'-er-man). Composer; Sweden. B. 1832; d. 1876. A Com- SONATILLA Sonatilla (It.) (so-na-til'-la), Sonatina (It.) (so-na-tee'-na), Sonatine (Fr.) (so-na-teen).

A short, easy, undeveloped sonata.

Song, Gesang, Lied (Ger.), Chant (Fr.), Canto (It.). (I) Originally a poem. (2) A musical setting of a poem, especially for one voice. (3) Folk-song (Ger., Volkslied).

A simple air containing but one member, the words lyrical or narrative (if the poem is a lengthy narrative it is generally called a ballad). (4) Art songs contain several members, and in many cases, as in the songs of Schubert, Franz, Schumann, and others, rise to the highest plane of art expression. The Germans have a word, durchkomponiert, which is applied to songs every stanza of which has a separate musical setting, so designed as to exalt and emphasize the expression of the words. Songs without words, Lieder ohne Worte (Ger.), Chants sans paroles (Fr.). A title invented by Mendelssohn and given by him to a set of pianoforte compositions. Songs for several voices are called part songs, q. v.