The Symphony

In classical music, a symphony is an extended musical composition, scored almost always for
orchestra. "Symphony" does not necessarily imply a specific form though most are composed
according to the sonata principle: tonal works in four movements with the first movement in
sonata form. This is often described by music theorists as the structure of a "classical"
symphony.

Origins
The word symphony derives from Greek, meaning "agreement or concord of sound", "concert
of vocal or instrumental music". In the 17th century, for most of the Baroque period, the terms
symphony and sinfonia were used for a range of different compositions, including instrumental
pieces used in operas, sonatas and concertos—usually part of a larger work. The opera sinfonia,
or Italian overture had, by the 18th century, a standard structure of three contrasting
movements: fast; slow; fast and dance-like. It is this form that is often considered as the direct
forerunner of the orchestral symphony.

The "Italian" style of symphony, often used as overture and entr'acte in opera houses, became
a standard three movement form: a fast movement, a slow movement, and then another fast
movement. Mozart's early symphonies are in this layout. The early three-movement form was
eventually replaced by a four-movement layout which was dominant in the latter part of the
18th century and most of the 19th century. This symphonic form was influenced by Germanic
practice, and would come to be associated with the "classical style" of Haydn and Mozart.

The normal four-movement form became as follows:

1. a fast opening movement often Allegro, in Sonata form
2. a slow movement often in ternary or variation form
3. a Minuet & Trio (or Minuet & Scherzo as introduced by Beethoven)
4. a fast last movement often Allegro, in sonata, variation or Rondo form

Variations on this layout were common, for instance the order of the middle two movements,
or the addition of a slow introduction to the first movement.