DictionarymovementMusical section
noun

movement

A distinct section of a longer musical composition.

The symphony's final movement begins with a quiet melody.

Etymology

Movement has musical uses associated with motion, tempo, and a course of performance. It came to name a distinct continuous section of a larger composition.

More examples

  • This piano sonata has three movements.
  • We rehearse the concerto's second movement before lunch.
  • The audience waits until all four movements end before applauding.

Forms

movement · movements

Similar words

section
A broader term for any distinct portion of a composition.
part
Can mean a compositional division or one performer's music.