An elaborate instrumental composition for a full
   orchestra, consisting usually, like the sonata, of three or four
   contrasted yet inwardly related movements, as the allegro, the adagio,
   the minuet and trio, or scherzo, and the finale in quick time. The term
   has recently been applied to large orchestral works in freer form, with
   arguments or programmes to explain their meaning, such as the
   "symphonic poems" of Liszt. The term was formerly applied to any
   composition for an orchestra, as overtures, etc., and still earlier, to
   certain compositions partly vocal, partly instrumental.