A symphony is made up of four sections called movements. Each movement follows its own structure or format. The first uses a quick tempo and follows sonata-allegro form; the second is slower and more lyrical; the third is a minuet or scherzo and the final movement often uses sonata-allegro form.

The first movement of a symphony is usually in a form called Sonata form and is often the most significant of the four movements.

symphony, a lengthy form of musical composition for orchestra, normally consisting of several large sections, or movements, at least one of which usually employs sonata form (also called first-movement form).

In particular, a sonata is for one or two instruments, whereas a symphony is for full orchestra.