Definition of symphony
- n. - A consonance or harmony of sounds, agreeable to the ear,
whether the sounds are vocal or instrumental, or both.
- n. - A stringed instrument formerly in use, somewhat
resembling the virginal.
- n. - An elaborate instrumental composition for a full
orchestra, consisting usually, like the sonata, of three or four
contrasted yet inwardly related movements, as the allegro, the adagio,
the minuet and trio, or scherzo, and the finale in quick time. The term
has recently been applied to large orchestral works in freer form, with
arguments or programmes to explain their meaning, such as the
"symphonic poems" of Liszt. The term was formerly applied to any
composition for an orchestra, as overtures, etc., and still earlier, to
certain compositions partly vocal, partly instrumental.
- n. - An instrumental passage at the beginning or end, or in
the course of, a vocal composition; a prelude, interlude, or postude; a
ritornello.