program music

American  

noun

1. music intended to convey an impression of a definite series of images, scenes, or events.

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Etymology

Origin of program music

First recorded in 1880–85

Compare meaning

How does program-music compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• program music vs. absolute music

Example Sentences

A handful of skaters who train with Arutyunyan’s team whizzed by as coaches scrutinized their arm placements, knelt to watch skate movement and replayed the opening notes of one skater’s program music.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 11, 2022

Operated through the hospital’s Child Life program, music therapy helps children and their families cope with stresses related to a child’s illness and the adjustment of a hospital stay.

From Washington Times • Oct. 2, 2016

Reiterating what she had explained in a recent interview, Ms. Wolfe said that she had never been much interested in program music.

From New York Times • Feb. 4, 2011

You might think that writing program music automatically provides a composer with a structure for a long piece.

From New York Times • Feb. 4, 2011

Chopin's position in regard to program music is an interesting subject for speculation.

From Music: An Art and a Language by Spalding, Walter Raymond