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Music vocabulary · Genres and Styles

Symphony

Meaning in music, with examples

nounCommon term

In music, symphony means: An extended composition for orchestra, usually divided into several movements with contrasting speeds and characters.

In Turkish: senfoni

How it is used

Used in classical programmes and analysis. Do not confuse the composition with a symphony orchestra, which is the ensemble that may perform it.

Example sentences

  1. The orchestra rehearsed the slow movement of the symphony before tackling the finale.

    The rehearsal separates two contrasting movements within the same large work.

  2. Her new symphony uses a small percussion section to keep the orchestral texture clear.

    The composer chooses limited percussion forces for the sound of the whole work.

Common collocations

  • symphony movement
  • perform a symphony
  • compose a symphony
  • orchestraA large group of musicians playing string, woodwind, brass and percussion instruments together, usually led by a conductor.
  • composeTo create an original piece of music, especially instrumental or classical music, film music or music written down in notation.
  • classical musicThe tradition of Western art music, including symphonies, concertos, operas and chamber music, usually written down in detailed scores and performed by trained musicians.

More terms: Genres and Styles

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