My Web Text

For College Courses
0-9 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

symphony

SIM-foe-nee

[English]

In the early 18th century, the term "symphony" was applied to any instrumental prelude, interlude, or postlude. In modern usage, the term is applied to a large composition for orchestra, generally in three or four movements. The symphony may also be defined as a sonata for orchestra. The earlier symphonies, those of the Classical era, were generally simpler, and of a smaller scale. By the late Romantic era, the symphony had grown in number of movements, length of movements, number of instruments, variety of instruments, and dynamic range.

Example


Classical: Joseph Haydn: Symphony No. 45 in F-sharp minor, I


Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Symphony No. 40 in G minor, K. 550, I



Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Symphony No. 40 in G minor, K. 550, IV



Romantic: Felix Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 4 in A major, Op. 90, IV


Antonín Leopold Dvořák: Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95, II


Joseph Haydn: Symphony No. 94 in G major, III

See Also

[French] symphonie (f)
[German] Sinfonie (f)
[Italian] sinfonia (f)

Share


Last Updated: 2016-06-19 18:40:36
Support / Feedback
About Us