noun
symphony
SIM-fuh-nee/ˈsɪmfəni/
An extended orchestral composition in several movements.
The orchestra performs a symphony under the conductor's direction.
Etymology
“Sounds together” originally conveyed harmony or concord of sounds. The meaning developed through music in parts into the specialized sense of an elaborate orchestral composition in several movements.
In context
not one long continuous piece of music but several short independent bits or pieces we call each of those bits of movement right like a symphony has four movements
More examples
- The symphony opens with a quiet melody for strings.
- She is composing a symphony in four movements.
- Beethoven's nine symphonies remain popular with concert audiences.
Forms
symphony · symphonies
symphonic adjective — Relating to or resembling a symphony.
Similar words
- composition
- Any written musical work, not necessarily orchestral or multi-movement.
- suite
- A collection of musical pieces, often dances or excerpts.