Symphonies

1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Symphony \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.
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              The trumpets sound,
              And warlike symphony in heard around. --Dryden.
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     2. A stringed instrument formerly in use, somewhat resembling
        the virginal.
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              With harp and pipe and symphony.      --Chaucer.
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     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.
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