What is a Symphony?
The word symphony is a term used to describe certain pieces of music—but what does it actually mean? In this post, we’re going to dive into the fascinating world of the symphony and listen to some of history’s most famous examples. We’ll also learn a few more music terms that will help you better understand the world of classical music. Let’s jump in!
Terms to know:
Classical music – In Western culture, classical music means music rooted in centuries of European traditions. The term “classical” is meant to differentiate this music from popular music, though differences between the two musical categories have become less distinct in recent history.
Composition – A piece of music.
Movement – A section of a composition that can be played independently. Another way to think about movements is a pop music album and the songs included on that album. The album is the composition, and each song is a “movement” of the work as a whole.
Melody – the “tune” of a piece of music; the sequence of notes the listener will typically remember and hum from time to time.
Theme – Much like the theme of a book or piece of art, a theme in music is the subject of a work—the idea that a piece of music is written about.
Motif – (pronounced “moh-TEEF”) A small section within a piece of music that often recurs throughout the composition and has thematic significance. A motif is often, but not always, shorter than a theme.
What is a Symphony?
A symphony is a long musical composition for an orchestra, typically written in four movements. If classical music genres were animals, a symphony would represent something HUGE, such as an elephant. Out of all classical music pieces, symphonies are the longest, the most complex, and involve the most instruments.
The word, “symphony,” comes from the Greek word symphonia, which translates to “sound together.” The element of ensemble, or many instruments playing together, is a key component. While there are occasional moments for a musical soloist, symphonies are generally a celebration of many voices sounding together.
Famous Symphonies from History
Symphony No. 5 in c minor by Ludwig van Beethoven
German composer Ludwig van Beethoven is one of the best-known composers in all of classical music. He’s known for his ability to translate feelings into music, and his symphonies remain among the most frequently performed in the concert hall.
For example, Beethoven’s Fifth is one of the most famous symphonies ever written. The work uses one little rhythmic idea of short-short-short-long. According to legend, Beethoven described this rhythmic motif as “fate knocking at the door.”
Here’s the first movement of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 in c minor. Can you count how many times you hear the “short-short-short-long” motif?
Symphony No. 9 in e minor, “From the New World” by Antonín Dvořák
Czech composer Antonín Dvořák spent several years working in the United States. During that time, he was curious about American music and researched unique American styles, including African American spirituals and Native American melodies. Dvořák’s time in the U.S. and the music native to this land inspired his Symphony No. 9, nicknamed the “New World” symphony.
Let’s listen to the famous second movement, a piece of music telling a story of America through a new perspective. The main theme isn’t based on one specific African American spiritual, Native American melody, or folk tune; it’s a beautiful blend of all the different styles of music that have developed in America.
Symphony No. 1 in e minor by Florence Price
American composer Florence Price wrote her first symphony for a competition in Chicago… and won! The conductor of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra loved the piece so much that he offered to premiere it with the world-famous ensemble. Consequently, Symphony No. 1 became the first work written by an African American woman to be performed by a major American orchestra.
In this piece, Price uses themes that sound like African American spirituals, without quoting them directly, which is the same method that Dvořák used in his “New World” Symphony.
Let’s listen to the first movement of Florence Price’s Symphony No. 1 in e minor. What does the music remind you of?
If you enjoyed learning about the symphony, you may also enjoy these posts from ICAN’s blog archive: