<P> At the beginning of the 19th century , Beethoven elevated the symphony from an everyday genre produced in large quantities to a supreme form in which composers strove to reach the highest potential of music in just a few works . Beethoven began with two works directly emulating his models Mozart and Haydn , then seven more symphonies , starting with the Third Symphony ( `` Eroica '' ) that expanded the scope and ambition of the genre . His Symphony No. 5 is perhaps the most famous symphony ever written ; its transition from the emotionally stormy C minor opening movement to a triumphant major - key finale provided a model adopted by later symphonists such as Brahms and Mahler . His Symphony No. 6 is a programmatic work , featuring instrumental imitations of bird calls and a storm ; and , unconventionally , a fifth movement ( symphonies usually had at most four movements ) . His Symphony No. 9 includes parts for vocal soloists and choir in the last movement , making it a choral symphony . </P>
<P> At the beginning of the 19th century , Beethoven elevated the symphony from an everyday genre produced in large quantities to a supreme form in which composers strove to reach the highest potential of music in just a few works . Beethoven began with two works directly emulating his models Mozart and Haydn , then seven more symphonies , starting with the Third Symphony ( `` Eroica '' ) that expanded the scope and ambition of the genre . His Symphony No. 5 is perhaps the most famous symphony ever written ; its transition from the emotionally stormy C minor opening movement to a triumphant major - key finale provided a model adopted by later symphonists such as Brahms and Mahler . His Symphony No. 6 is a programmatic work , featuring instrumental imitations of bird calls and a storm ; and , unconventionally , a fifth movement ( symphonies usually had at most four movements ) . His Symphony No. 9 includes parts for vocal soloists and choir in the last movement , making it a choral symphony . </P>
the number of movements in a symphony usually is
the number of movements in a symphony usually is
at most four movements
at most four movements