A symphony is a long piece of music written for a full orchestra, usually with several sections called movements. It is often complex and carefully structured.
From Latin 'symphonia' and Greek 'symphōnia' meaning 'agreement of sound, harmony', from 'syn-' (together) and 'phōnē' (sound). It originally referred to harmonious sounds before becoming a specific musical form.
A symphony is like a novel made of sound: themes appear, change, disappear, and return in surprising ways. When an orchestra plays, dozens of instruments create one giant 'voice' that no single player could produce alone.
The symphonic tradition has historically centered male composers and conductors, with women’s contributions often marginalized or omitted from canons and programming. Women musicians were frequently restricted to certain instruments or roles and excluded from major orchestras and composition recognition.
When discussing symphonies, include women and other underrepresented composers and conductors in examples and historical overviews.
Acknowledge women symphonists and conductors—such as Florence Price, Louise Farrenc, or Marin Alsop—whose work has often been underrepresented in mainstream narratives.
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