What is a program symphony?

A program symphony is indeed a multi-movement work that incorporates programmatic elements, which means it tells a story or expresses specific ideas or themes through music. This genre typically uses its various movements to depict scenes, events, or narratives, allowing listeners to experience an unfolding story or concept.

The structure of a program symphony often mirrors that of a traditional symphony, with multiple movements that may include a variety of musical styles and forms, but what distinguishes it is its explicit intent to convey a programmatic narrative. Famous examples include Berlioz's "Symphonie fantastique," which vividly illustrates episodes from the composer's life through each movement.

The other choices describe different forms of musical compositions. A single-movement piece without a title would not typically allow for the complexity of storytelling found in program symphonies. A symphonic poem is indeed related but differs in that it usually consists of a single movement and focuses more on evocative imagery rather than structured movements. An opera with orchestral interludes involves vocal elements and theatrical narratives, not strictly the orchestral and multi-movement focus of a program symphony.