symphonized

Symphonized is the past tense and past participle of the verb symphonize, a term used in music to indicate that a piece has been arranged or adapted for performance by a symphony orchestra, or that it has been expanded and shaped in a manner reminiscent of a symphony. The process is closely related to orchestration and musical arrangement, but implies a broader, often more formal or grand treatment associated with the symphonic idiom.

Etymology: From the noun "symphony," via the verb-forming suffix "-ize" (British spellings: symphonise, American: symphonize). The noun "symphony" ultimately derives from Greek symphonia.

Usage: The term is most often found in historical musicology or critical writing describing orchestral versions of vocal or instrumental works. It can also appear in program notes or catalog descriptions to signal that a composition has been transformed into a symphonic texture. In modern practice, "orchestrated" or "arranged for orchestra" are more common, and "symphonized" is relatively rare outside scholarly contexts. In metaphorical use, something described as "symphonized" may be said to possess a coherent, multi-voice structure or a unifying, grand design akin to a symphony, even when not literally scored for an orchestra.

See also: orchestration, arrangement, symphony, symphonization.