symfon

Symfon is a term used in several languages to denote a symphony, a large-scale musical work for orchestra typically consisting of multiple movements. The word derives from Greek symphonos, meaning harmonious in sound, and is closely related to the English term symphony. In many traditions it is the principal vehicle for orchestral expression and scale.

A symfon usually opens with an energetic movement, often in sonata form; a slower second movement; a dance-like third movement (minuet or scherzo in earlier periods); and a fast finale. The exact structure varies by era and composer. Orchestration commonly includes strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion; additional players or electronic elements may appear.

Origins date to the early 18th century in the Classical era, with leaders such as Joseph Haydn and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart shaping the form. Ludwig van Beethoven expanded its scope in length and emotional range, linking Classical and Romantic idioms. In the 19th and 20th centuries composers broadened expression and technique—programmatic tendencies, large orchestras, varied tempos and rhythms (examples: Berlioz, Brahms, Tchaikovsky; Mahler, Stravinsky).

In modern usage, the symfon remains a core genre in Western art music, performed by orchestras worldwide. Some contemporary works experiment with form, length, and instrumentation, while some pieces retain traditional movement structures. The term is also used in titles in some languages to evoke the classical tradition, even when the music diverges from standard conventions.