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Sonata
The word “Sonata” is derived from the Italian verb “Sonare” – “sound.”
For the first time Spanish composers of the 16th century began to call it that. Early sonatas were polyphonic, for example, trio sonatas for 3 instruments — violins (or flutes), viola da gamba and harpsichord. When the homophon came to replace the polyphonic style (the main voice began to play the main role with a bright melody, and the rest acquired an accompanying, accompanying character), the sonata for the solo instrument with accompaniment, especially for the violin, became paramount. In the XVII — XVIII centuries. Violin sonatas are composed by the largest Italian composers – J. Vitali, J. Tartini, A. Corelli, A. Vivaldi. The keyboard tool performed in them purely accompanying function. Continue reading
Symphony
A symphony is usually a composition for orchestra, usually consisting of several parts. This is one of the main genres of European music. In the modern sense, the word “symphony” came into use relatively recently, in the 70s. XVIII century., It is the very same very ancient origin.
“Symphony” in Greek means “consonance”. In ancient times, the so-called singing of the choir or ensemble in unison, as well as any harmonious, melodious combination of tones. In the Middle Ages, the word disappeared from use, and its new life began in the Renaissance. But now a different meaning was put into the word “symphony”. In the music of the Renaissance, polyphonic vocal compositions were circulated – madrigals, canzons. They usually opened with an instrumental introduction, which was called a symphony. When in the XVII century. an opera arose, it also began with a symphony – later this introduction turned into an overture. Continue reading
