symphonic

Symphonic is an adjective used in music to describe music that resembles, or is intended to be performed by, a symphony orchestra, or that has the scale, structure, or texture associated with a symphony. The term derives from the word symphony, which itself comes from Greek symphōnia, meaning “concord of sounds.” In classical usage, symphonic music is typically designed for a full orchestra and may be organized into multiple movements, exploring varied tempos, themes, and moods.

While a symphony is a defined formal genre with specific characteristics, the label symphonic is broader. It is often applied to orchestral works that are grand in scale or narrative in character, including tone poems and programmatic pieces that follow a cohesive dramatic arc across sections, even if they do not adhere to traditional symphonic form.

In modern and popular contexts, “symphonic” is used to describe music that employs orchestral textures and arrangements, sometimes in combination with electronic or folk elements. Subgenres such as symphonic metal and symphonic rock foreground orchestral colors; film scores and contemporary orchestral commissions frequently emphasize symphonic timbres to achieve cinematic breadth.

Notable composers associated with symphonic writing include Beethoven, Brahms, and Mahler, whose works are foundational to the classic symphonic repertoire. In the 20th and 21st centuries, composers such as Prokofiev and Shostakovich expanded what is deemed symphonic, while contemporary media increasingly use the term to denote scale and orchestration rather than a strict formal category.