Symphonic music is often characterised by its rich and complex textures, its use of counterpoint and harmony, and its dynamic range. It can be performed by symphony orchestras, which typically consist of over 100 musicians, or by smaller chamber orchestras.
Symphonic music has a long history, with its roots in the Baroque era of the 17th and 18th centuries. During this period, composers such as Johann Sebastian Bach and George Frideric Handel wrote symphonies that were typically in three or four movements and used a variety of instruments.
In the 19th century, symphonic music reached its peak with the works of composers such as Ludwig van Beethoven, Johannes Brahms, and Anton Bruckner. These composers wrote symphonies that were longer, more complex, and more emotionally expressive than anything that had come before.
Today, symphonic music continues to be written and performed by composers and orchestras around the world. It remains a popular genre of classical music, and it is often performed in concert halls and other venues.