How does Sonata (complete work differ from Sonata form, how are they related. Any help please
Sonata and Sonata form are related concepts in classical music, but they refer to different things.
A sonata is a musical composition typically consisting of several movements. It is a multi-movement piece that can be written for solo instruments (such as piano sonatas) or for small ensembles (such as chamber sonatas). Each movement within a sonata has its own unique structure, character, and theme.
On the other hand, Sonata form, also known as sonata-allegro form, is a specific structure commonly used in the first movement of classical sonatas, symphonies, and other large-scale compositions. It is a formal organization that helps give structure and coherence to the musical ideas presented in the movement. Sonata form consists of three main sections: exposition, development, and recapitulation.
The exposition introduces the main musical material, presenting two contrasting themes in different key areas, usually the tonic (main key) and a related key. The development section takes these themes and explores them in various ways, often introducing new ideas and undergoing harmonic tension. Finally, the recapitulation brings back the main themes but in the same key, reaffirming the piece's stability.
So, in summary, a sonata is a larger musical work consisting of multiple movements, while sonata form is a specific structure commonly used within the first movement of a sonata (or similar compositions). While a sonata can have movements that use other forms or structures, the first movement often follows sonata form for its organization and development of musical ideas.