symphony

A symphony is a large-scale work for full orchestra, typically in four movements: a fast opening movement (often in sonata form), a slow movement, a dance movement (minuet or scherzo), and a fast finale. The form evolved from the Italian opera overture in the mid-18th century and became the most prestigious genre in orchestral music. Haydn wrote 104 symphonies and established the Classical template. Mozart refined it, and Beethoven transformed it into a vehicle for profound personal expression. The Romantic symphony expanded in scale and ambition — Mahler's symphonies last over an hour and require enormous forces. Brahms, Tchaikovsky, Dvořák, Sibelius, and Shostakovich all made essential contributions to the symphonic tradition.