Sinfonia

Sinfonia is the Italian (and Spanish) word for symphony (see that article for etymology). In music Sinfonia has however some specific meanings and connotations, that are understood when the word sinfonia is used outside the realm of Latin-based languages:

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In the very late Renaissance and early Baroque, a sinfonia was an alternate name for a canzona, fantasia or ricercar. These were almost always instrumental forms, all rooted however in a polyphonic tradition. Later in the Baroque period it was more likely to be a type of sonata, especially a trio sonata or one for larger ensemble. Still later in the Baroque era, the word was used to designate an instrumental prelude, as described in the next section.

Renaissance: The Renaissance, also known as "Il Rinascimento" (in Italian), was an influential cultural movement which brought about a period of scientific revolution and artistic transformation, at the dawn of modern European history. It marks the transitional period between the end of the Middle Ages and the s...

Baroque: In arts, the Baroque (or baroque) is both a period and the style that dominated it. Baroque style used exaggerated motion and clear, easily interpreted detail to produce drama, tension, exuberance, and grandeur from sculpture, painting, literature, and music. The style started around 1600 in Rome, ...

Canzona: Canzona (also canzone) is a poetic form, and a type of musical composition....