The word ‘sonata’ comes from the Italian for sounding. The word sonata has taken on various meanings through the different musical periods.

During the Baroque period (roughly 1600–1750) the word ‘sonata’ was used quite loosely meaning a piece to be ‘played’ rather than ‘sung’.

They are generally accompanied by the piano but can be solo.

In the Classical period ‘sonata’ came to mean a work in several movements (usually three or four), with the first movement in a special sonata form. Sonatas were a popular and important form, and many were composed for amateurs to play at home.