(Ital.), a piece of music, consisting of various movements for a single instrument, with or without accompaniment. The name has sometimes been given to certain vocal compositions, in which all the voices are equally essential. Some of the most remarkable modern sonatas are for the pianoforte, such as those of Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Clementi, Dussek, &c. Formerly sonatas were classed as sonate di camera and sonate di chiesa—i.e., chamber-sonatas and church-sonatas—on account of their difference of style, and the place of performance.

SONDERSHAUSEN, a town of Germany, capital of Schwarzburg-Sondershausen, on the Wipper, 34 miles N.N.W. of Weimar. On a hill near the town stands the palace, which is the residence of the prince, and contains a museum of antiquities. Trinity church is a large and splendid building; and the town has also a theatre, gymnasium, and other schools; an hospital, jail, &c. Pop. 5117.