What is a tone poem?

A tone poem, also known as a symphonic poem, is a type of orchestral composition that is typically based on a literary, dramatic, or pictorial idea. It is a single-movement piece of music that aims to evoke a specific mood, atmosphere, or story through instrumental sounds.

Tone poems often use programmatic elements to convey their intended meanings, such as descriptive titles, narrative structures, or specific musical motifs. They can be inspired by a wide range of sources, including mythology, literature, nature, and historical events.

Some famous composers who have written tone poems include Richard Strauss, Bedřich Smetana, Claude Debussy, and Ottorino Respighi. These works are often characterized by their lush orchestration, use of colorful harmonies, and innovative approaches to form and structure.

Overall, tone poems are a genre of orchestral music that allows composers to experiment with new ways of expressing emotions, stories, and ideas through the power of sound.