Sonata da Chiesa

Sonata da Chiesa, meaning "Chamber Sonata," is a classical music form from the Baroque period, typically composed for a small ensemble or solo instrument with basso continuo. It emphasizes deliberate, serious, and contemplative character, often structured in multiple movements with contrasting tempos and moods. Unlike dance-based sonatas, Sonata da Chiesa features abstract, expressive music suited for listening in a formal setting. Composers like Corelli and Handel popularized this form, which remains a significant example of Baroque chamber music, combining intricate counterpoint with expressive melodies.