txtDefinition=The generic term used to describe the shape of music through time. \'93Form\'94 suggests a more definite scheme than the general term \'93shape.\'94 But this distinction can be misleading; for example, {\uldb \'93sonata form\'94}{\v 96905} is used widely to describe the most popular means of organizing {\uldb instrumental}{\v 84565} (and much vocal as well) music during the {\uldb Classical}{\v 131766} period. Yet in practice \'93sonata form\'94 refers more to a style of composition than to a rigid scheme.