[f. SYMPHONIZE v. or SYMPHONY + -IST. Cf. F. symphoniste (18th c. in Hatz.-Darm.).]

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  † 1.  (See quot., and cf. next, 1.) Obs. rare–0.

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1656.  Blount, Glossogr., Symphonist … a Chorister, one that sings with true tune and time.

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  † 2.  An orchestral performer who plays in a symphony (SYMPHONY 5 a). Obs.

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1767.  Ann. Reg., Ess., 196/2. The singers and the symphonists in the orchestra.

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1790.  Bystander, 178. These symphonists were first placed between the wings of the stage.

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  3.  A composer of symphonies (SYMPHONY 5 b).

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1789.  Burney, Hist. Mus., IV. x. 595. John Christian Bach, the late celebrated opera composer and symphonist.

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1820.  Q. Mus. Mag., II. 63. The ponderous and heavy style of the early symphonists.

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1845.  E. Holmes, Mozart, 166. The great career of Mozart as symphonist and dramatic musician.

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1884.  Encycl. Brit., XVI. 96/2. Next in chronology [to Haydn] as a symphonist stands Mozart.

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