Sonata/səˈnɑːtə/ Definition 1 of 1Pro Tip 1/3Classical Genre A sonata is often associated with classical music, not pop or rock. Mozart composed many sonatas for the piano. Pro Tip 2/3Instrumental Focus Sonatas are typically instrumental, without vocals or lyrics. She played a violin sonata at the recital. Pro Tip 3/3Structured Parts A sonata usually has multiple movements, each with distinct character. The second movement of his sonata was slow and contemplative.