sinfonia

sin-FOE-nee-ah

[ Italian , symphony - Spanish, symphony ]

Definition

  1. A term brought into use in the late Renaissance with a variety of specific meanings, generally implying a composition similar to a canzona or a prelude. By the 18th century the term had a similar implication as the term "sonata". During the 18th century it came to be used for a three movement composition, until it gradually took on the meaning of our modern term "symphony". In modern usage, "sinfonia" implies a work of smaller proportions than a full symphony.

  2. The Italian term for symphony.

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Last Updated: 2016-06-12 14:07:59