Sym"pho*ny (?), n.; pl.
Symphonies (#). [F. symphonie (cf. It.
sinfonia), L. symphonia, Gr. &?;; sy`n with +
&?; a sound, the voice. See Phonetic.] 1.
A consonance or harmony of sounds, agreeable to the ear, whether
the sounds are vocal or instrumental, or both.
The trumpets sound,
And warlike symphony in heard around.
Dryden.
2. A stringed instrument formerly in use,
somewhat resembling the virginal.
With harp and pipe and symphony.
Chaucer.
3. (Mus.) (a) 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.
(b) An instrumental passage at the beginning or
end, or in the course of, a vocal composition; a prelude, interlude,
or postude; a ritornello.
Sym"pho*ny (?), n.; pl.
Symphonies (#). [F. symphonie (cf. It.
sinfonia), L. symphonia, Gr. &?;; sy`n with +
&?; a sound, the voice. See Phonetic.] 1.
A consonance or harmony of sounds, agreeable to the ear, whether
the sounds are vocal or instrumental, or both.
The trumpets sound,
And warlike symphony in heard around.
Dryden.
2. A stringed instrument formerly in use,
somewhat resembling the virginal.
With harp and pipe and symphony.
Chaucer.
3. (Mus.) (a) 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.
(b) An instrumental passage at the beginning or
end, or in the course of, a vocal composition; a prelude, interlude,
or postude; a ritornello.
