The sonata originated in Italy and gradually gained popularity over the rest of Europe. During the Baroque period the sonata was composed of several dance movements, however, in the Classical era it changed to a fast-slow style movement, with each movement composed in one of four forms popular during the Classical period. These forms consisted of sonata-allegro, rondo, ternary, and theme and variations. Through history many characteristics of the sonata have remained unchanged; "most sonatas have been instrumental music, without voice parts, absolute music without program; concert or divisional music, without social function; solo or chamber music for one to four players, without or mul

Plantinga, Leon. "Clementim, Muzio." The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians. vol. 4. London: Macmillan Publishers, 1980.

Mozart was one of the sonata's first great composers, creating short keyboard compositions while still a young child. These compositions are "somewhat mechanical in their textures (with heavy reliance on sequential patterns; much here seems to represent the attentive boy's exploration of harmonic and textural possibilities"(Plath 687). As the popularity of sonata's grew, even composers in London began to write pieces in sonata form. The sonatas which were written in London share many of the same characteristics and advancements displaying a, "remarkable grasp of the principles of J.S. Bach's symphonic style"(Plath 687). Mozart also composed a number of sonatas for use in church which were written for three part strings with the organ continue. Initially these pieces were very short, however, his last church sonatas had larger orchestral support. While living in Vienna, Mozart composed some of his greatest piano sonatas, which shared some characteristics with those composed by Bach. Mozart went on to compose more sonatas while on a trip to Mannheim and Paris. He composed piano sonatas for the Cannabich's daughter Rosa. Mozart noted that he designed the Andante to depict her. In this composition the contrasts in dynamics, and a sense "expressive affection" are clearly discernable (Plath 697). While Mozart was in Paris, he composed six more piano and violin sonatas. These compositions reflect the local style of the time. Mozart composed only one piece in E minor, "with its paired textures and hesitant wistful manner representing a world of delicate sensibility, its concluding minuet in particular, a rondo or an elegant, pathetic melody of a French cast with a gentle second episode in E major providing harmonic balm"(Plath 697). Mozart's last sonatas are thought to be composed for the Prussian princess between 1789 and 1791, however, the truth remains unknown.

The sonata originally began as a four or five movement genre. During the classical era, it evolved into a fast-slow-fast movement style, and eventually developed into music composed almost solely for the keyboard. Though during the Classical era it was performed mostly by amateurs for a more modest audience, or simply for practice alone, the sonata was able to gain worldwide fame and play a key role in the development of Classical music. The sonata has played an essential role in the careers of many of the tra

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