A multi-movement composition with extra-musical content that directs the attention of the listener to a literary or pictoral association.
Hector Berlioz provides a story line (program) for the Symphonie Fantastique to describe the life of the young artist as depicted in the composition. Program music was especially popular in the 19th century.
SUGGESTED LISTENING EXAMPLE:
Berlioz: Symphonie fantastique, Op. 14, V (idée fixe)