Which describes the four-movement symphony outline given?

• A. First fast sonata form, second slow lyrical ABA, third dance form, fourth fast rondo form
• B. First slow movement, second fast, third minuet, fourth finale
• C. Fast, slow, scherzo, finale in rondo form
• D. Four movements all in fast tempo

Answer: (A)

A four-movement symphony from the Classical period typically builds its contrast through tempo and form: the first movement is fast and usually in sonata form to establish the main themes, the second movement slows down with a lyrical character, the third movement is dance-like (minuet and trio or, later, scherzo), and the final movement is fast and often in rondo form. The described outline matches this pattern exactly: a first fast movement in sonata form, a second slow and lyrical in an ABA-like sense, a third movement in dance form, and a final fast movement in rondo form. This combination of forms and tempos is what defines the traditional four-movement structure, making it the best fit. The other options either misstate the typical order (starting with a slow movement), or mix in forms that don’t align as cleanly with the standard progression, or omit the contrast between the movements.