The word "sonata" simply means "song", so the name is sometimes applied to various types of pieces; but most often a theme (a short musical idea) is presented, at the outset or after a short intro; the theme is played in various keys and various ways, and often interacts with a second theme, which contrasts to the first, usually in key and temperament. Thus a composer can make a kind of story (#1 = young man, #2 = pretty lady, and so on), or the whole think can be merely abstract. But about halfway through, the two get involved with a third entity, and all this interaction is called the development. (#3 = the villain appears!) This goes on until the composer wants to wind things up, usually capping with a strong appearance of the first theme (recapitulation) and a really cool ending which ties everything up with a bow.
A symphony (word means "sounding together") does not have to be long, but usually is, and in much European-based music has three or four movements, pieces which could stand on their own, but are designed to fit in with the flow of ideas that make up the symphony. Movement #1 is usually a Sonata in lively tempo; #2 a contrasting slow piece, #3 a lively or elegant dance, often in a contrasting meter (often 3/4 or 6/8), #4 a loud, happy sonata to send everybody home with a smile on their face.
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Answer:
The word "sonata" simply means "song", so the name is sometimes applied to various types of pieces; but most often a theme (a short musical idea) is presented, at the outset or after a short intro; the theme is played in various keys and various ways, and often interacts with a second theme, which contrasts to the first, usually in key and temperament. Thus a composer can make a kind of story (#1 = young man, #2 = pretty lady, and so on), or the whole think can be merely abstract. But about halfway through, the two get involved with a third entity, and all this interaction is called the development. (#3 = the villain appears!) This goes on until the composer wants to wind things up, usually capping with a strong appearance of the first theme (recapitulation) and a really cool ending which ties everything up with a bow.
A symphony (word means "sounding together") does not have to be long, but usually is, and in much European-based music has three or four movements, pieces which could stand on their own, but are designed to fit in with the flow of ideas that make up the symphony. Movement #1 is usually a Sonata in lively tempo; #2 a contrasting slow piece, #3 a lively or elegant dance, often in a contrasting meter (often 3/4 or 6/8), #4 a loud, happy sonata to send everybody home with a smile on their face.