Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
program-music
Noun
/ˈprəʊɡræm ˈmjuːzɪk/
Definition
A type of instrumental music that is intended to evoke imagery or narrative outside of the music itself.
Examples
- Beethoven’s “Pastoral” Symphony is a famous example of program music, depicting a day in the countryside.
- Many film scores utilize program music to enhance the storytelling experience.
- Thomas Edison once said, ‘In program music, the music serves as a soundtrack for images in your mind.’
Meaning
Program music often tells a story or represents a specific scene or idea, engaging listeners with its thematic and descriptive qualities.
Synonyms
- Descriptive music
- Narrative music
- Illustrative music
