program music

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of program music¹

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

See the detailed program by the composer himself, cited in Nieck's Program Music.

From Project Gutenberg

But now they were playing their star number, a dramatic piece of program music called "A Day on the Battlefield."

From Project Gutenberg

It stands one of the masterpieces of program-music, in equal balance of pure beauty with the graphic plan.

From Project Gutenberg

Yet it must be yielded that Liszt's program-music was of the higher kind that dwells in symbols rather than in concrete details.

From Project Gutenberg

Few pieces of program music are so closely associated with the subject as this tone picture of the Devil's Round.

From Project Gutenberg