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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. |