How many movements do Classical sonatas commonly have?

Classical sonatas typically consist of two, three, or four movements. While two- and three-movement structures are most common for works featuring one or two instruments, the four-movement scheme became a standard pattern for larger instrumental works, such as the string quartet and the symphony.12

When a four-movement structure is employed, it generally follows this sequence:
* First movement: Usually a serious, fast-paced movement in sonata form.13
* Second movement: Typically a slower, lyrical movement, often using ternary or variation forms.13
* Third movement: A dance-style movement, originally a minuet and later often a faster scherzo.123
* Fourth movement: A fast, brilliant finale, frequently composed in rondo or sonata form.123

In some genres, such as the piano trio or violin sonata, the dance-derived third movement is occasionally omitted.2