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The Parts of a Symphony

Second Movement

Third Movement

First Movement

Fourth Movement

The second movement of a symphony is slower than the first movement. It is often characterized by "adagio", which is Italian for "slowly," or "andante", which literally means "moving along in a walking pace." The second movement of Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 is characterized by Andante con moto, which means "with movement and certain quickness." In Brahms' Symphony No. 2, the second movement is characterized by Adagio non troppo, which is performed in a more moderate way than an Adagio molto.

In a symphony, the third movement often consists of a main allegro or scherzo, which is a swift-moving piece of music; a trio section, which is a composition for three instruments or voices; a return of the scherzo; and a coda, which is Italian for "tail". The coda represents the end of the the third movement. In Haydn's Symphony No. 94, known as the Surprise Symphony, the third movement has an Allegro molto, which means "very quickly"; while the third movement in Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 contains a scherzo.

The fourth movement, or finale, of a symphony is generally characterized by allegro. The finale is typically played in a triumphant and exhilarating manner. In some cases, such as in Beethoven's Symphony No. 5, the finale begins immediately after the third movement, without interruption. Kettledrums, also called timpani, are percussion instruments commonly used in the fourth movement of a symphony, including Haydn's famous Symphony No. 94, which has a rhythmic and energetic finale.

The first movement of a symphony is often an allegro, opening sonata, or overture. An allegro, which means "merry" in Italian, is a quick, lively, and bright piece of music. In music theory, an allegro can vary in style. For instance, an Allegro agitato and an Allegro con molto spirito sound completely different from an Allegro tranquillo, which is more peaceful. Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 in C minor starts with an Allegro con brio, which means "with vigor." This first movement is considered one of the most famous and performed pieces of the classical era.

Symphonies

Symphonies are long compositions for an orchestra, usually consisting of three or four movements or sections, which differ in style, mood, tempo, speed, and music pace. Symphonies became popular in Europe during the 17th century. Early symphonies were often in a three-movement form, consisting of a fast first movement, a slow middle movement, and a fast final movement. However, since the late 18th century, the four-movement symphony has become the typical form. Austrian composer Franz Joseph Haydn, who composed more than 100 symphonies, is considered the father of the four-movement symphony.

Joseph Haydn

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