'Symphony' definitions:
Definition of 'symphony'
From: WordNet
noun
A long and complex sonata for symphony orchestra [syn: symphony, symphonic music]
noun
A large orchestra; can perform symphonies; "we heard the Vienna symphony" [syn: symphony orchestra, symphony, philharmonic]
Definition of 'Symphony'
From: 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. [1913 Webster]
- The trumpets sound, And warlike symphony in heard around. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]
- 2. A stringed instrument formerly in use, somewhat resembling the virginal. [1913 Webster]
- With harp and pipe and symphony. --Chaucer. [1913 Webster]
- 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. [1913 Webster]
Synonyms of 'symphony'
From: Moby Thesaurus
- accord,
- accordance,
- affinity,
- agape,
- agreement,
- amity,
- attune,
- attunement,
- band,
- big band,
- bonds of harmony,
- brass,
- brass band,
- brass choir,
- brass quintet,
- brass section,
- brasses,
- brotherly love,
- callithumpian band,
- caritas,
- cement of friendship,
- chamber orchestra,
- charity,
- chime,
- chiming,
- classic,
- classical music,
- combo,
- communion,
- community,
- community of interests,
- compatibility,
- concentus,
- concert,
- concert band,
- concert music,
- concertino,
- concerto,
- concerto grosso,
- concord,
- concordance,
- congeniality,
- consonance,
- consonancy,
- consort,
- correspondence,
- desks,
- diapason,
- dixieland band,
- empathy,
- ensemble,
- esprit,
- esprit de corps,
- euphony,
- feeling of identity,
- fellow feeling,
- fellowship,
- frictionlessness,
- gamelan orchestra,
- German band,
- good vibes,
- good vibrations,
- group,
- happy family,
- harmonics,
- harmony,
- heavy harmony,
- homophony,
- identity,
- jazz band,
- jug band,
- kinship,
- like-mindedness,
- longhair music,
- love,
- military band,
- monochord,
- monody,
- mutuality,
- oneness,
- orchestra,
- peace,
- Philharmonic,
- philharmonic,
- quartet,
- quintet,
- ragtime band,
- rapport,
- rapprochement,
- reciprocity,
- rhapsody,
- rock-and-roll group,
- semiclassical music,
- sextet,
- sharing,
- sinfonietta,
- skiffle band,
- solidarity,
- steel band,
- street band,
- string band,
- string choir,
- string orchestra,
- string quartet,
- strings,
- swing band,
- sympathy,
- symphonia,
- symphonic music,
- symphonic ode,
- symphony orchestra,
- synchronism,
- synchronization,
- team spirit,
- three-part harmony,
- tone poem,
- trio,
- tune,
- understanding,
- union,
- unison,
- unisonance,
- unity,
- waits,
- woodwind,
- woodwind choir,
- woodwind quartet,
- woodwinds