symphonic poem

noun

, Music.

1. a form of tone poem, scored for a symphony orchestra, in which a literary or pictorial “plot” is treated with considerable program detail: originated by Franz Liszt in the mid-19th century and developed especially by Richard Strauss.

symphonic poem

noun

1. music an extended orchestral composition, originated by Liszt, based on nonmusical material, such as a work of literature or folk tale Also calledtone poem

Word History and Origins

Origin of symphonic poem¹

First recorded in 1860–65

Example Sentences

Would it be possible to perform my new symphonic poem, Francesca da Rimini, instead?

From Project Gutenberg

I may as well tell you that since I have returned home I have begun writing a symphonic poem.

From Project Gutenberg

I want to introduce this into the ballet and the symphonic poem.

From Project Gutenberg

Indeed, Strauss has done for the symphonic poem something of what Wagner did for the opera.

From Project Gutenberg

The work reveals Schoenberg striving to emulate Strauss in the field of the symphonic poem; striving, however, in vain.

From Project Gutenberg