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

But a piece of program music must have a convincing musical structure of its own, as Julia Wolfe’s restless “Cruel Sister” does.

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

Berlioz, the father of program music, came back from his residence in Italy in 1833, and brought with him his fantastic symphony, "Episodes in the Life of an Artist."

From The Masters and their Music A series of illustrative programs with biographical, esthetical, and critical annotations by Mathews, W. S. B. (William Smythe Babcock)