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; sol

Newman, William S. "Classical Sonata." The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians. vol. 17. London: Macmillan Publishers, 1980.

o or chamber music for one to four players, without or multiple performance of the parts; cyclic music, in two to four movements rather than one; and broadly conceived music, exhibiting some of the most extended designs of absolute music"(Newman 479). The sonata was played by, and written for, amateur musicians who "practiced and performed for polite society in the comfort of their own homes"(Wright 196). The sonata is a type of chamber music, that gained popularity during the classical era. Sonata translates as, "something played" as opposed to it close cousin, the cantata, which means "something sung". It was also during this time that the keyboard sonata evolved from harpsichord and clavichord and finally, to the piano (Newman 485). During 1830s the popularity of piano music increased drastically. This was because the Industrial Revolution allowed piano manufacturers to developed methods for building many more pianos at lower costs. Pianos were no longer so expensive that ownership was reserved exclusively for the wealthy. Middle class could also own them and make music at home greatly expanding the musical audience. The sonata was still used at court and to a lesser extent in the church. These locations are mainly due to the Baroque era, however, during the Classical period the sonata took on distinctly different functions. The sonata was a,"diversion of the amateur or dilettante, a launching vehicle for the professional composer and performer, a training resource for the student; an occasional item in private and public concerts; and a conventional music accessory in the church"(Newman 486). The sonata was basically used during small social gatherings, or as musical training. Another, and likely most important function of the sonata was as way for composers to become known. "Every musician who aspired to join the company of composers working for the public generally began his career with keyboard compositions, namely with solo sonatas"(Newman 487).

Another composer who contributed in developing the sonata was Muzio Clementi. Clementi was an acclaimed composer known for his many keyboard pieces. His sonatas gained popularity due to his frequent public concerts. Clementi's compositions consisted primarily of sonatas and keyboard pieces which extended "from the simplest gallant writing to the rhetorical passion of the romantic piano music"(Plantinga 487). Clementi's earlier sonatas c

Some common words found in the essay are:
Clementi Clementi, Europe Baroque, Industrial Revolution, Little Haydn's, Hammerklavier Written, Mozart Paris, Christian Corah, Sonates Minor, JS Bach's, Mozart Clementi, classical era, grove dictionary music, dictionary music musicians, music musicians vol, music musicians, musicians vol, macmillan publishers, london macmillan, grove dictionary, dictionary music, london macmillan publishers, publishers 1980, macmillan publishers 1980, piano sonatas, kerman 385,
Approximate Word count = 1718
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)