a. (sb.) [f. SYMPHONY + -IC, after harmonic.]
1. a. Welsh Prosody. Involving similarity of sound: cf. SYMPHONIZE 1 b, SYMPHONY 2, quot. 1856. b. Having the same sound, pronounced alike; = HOMOPHONOUS 2. c. Applied to a shorthand sign denoting more than one sound; also as sb.
1856. J. Williams, Gram. Edeyrn, § 1785. There are three kinds of resumption; namely, resumption of letters…, resumption symphonic…, and sense-producing … resumption.
1880. J. A. H. Murray, in Trans. Philol. Soc., 33. Special facilities of comparing whole classes of symphonic words with each other and their earlier forms.
1904. W. E. Thomson, trans. Javal’s Blind Man’s World, 154. Phonography with Symphonics. A symphonic sign is one which expresses more than one speech-sound.
2. Harmonious. rare.
1864. Webster.
1872. C. King, Mountain. Sierra Nev., viii. 175. As we marched down the road, unconsciously keeping step, the sound of our boots had quite a symphonic effect; they were all full of water, and with soft, melodious slushing acted as a calmer upon our spirits.
3. Mus. Of, pertaining to, or having the form or character of a symphony. Also transf. in reference to poetry. Also fig.
Symphonic poem (trans. G. symphonische dichtung, Liszt), a descriptive orchestral composition of the character and dimensions of a symphony, but freer in form, founded on some special poetic theme or idea.
1864. Webster.
1873. N. Amer. Rev., CXVI. 241. Liszt, in his Symphonic Poems, has also tried to express poetical thoughts by music alone.
1881. Athenæum, 26 March, 438/1. Smetana’s symphonic poem ‘Vltava’ had been produced at the Crystal Palace concert.
1881. Cornh. Mag., March, 312. Alone in this elemental overture to tempest I … felt through self-abandonment to the symphonic influence how [etc.].
1883. M. G. Van Rensselaer, in Harper’s Mag., March, 540–1. It is not a non-artistic world which has seen the full growth from small beginnings of both symphonic and dramatic forms in music.
1889. C. H. H. Parry, in Grove, Dict. Mus., IV. 33/1. Mendelssohn’s only other symphonic work was the Lobgesang. Ibid., 34/2. The manner [of Schumann’s 1st Symphony] is thoroughly symphonic, impressive and broad.
