The Symphony History

Overview
Orchestra use in Baroque period: accompany opera performances
Introduction to opera - overture
3 movements orchestra only - purpose was to quiet audience
Usually the last thing written by the composer. It had very little value.
Italian opera overture FSF. Called Sinfonia
When orchestra concerts became popular, the repertoire for the orchestra came from the sinfonia.
Composers began writing for orchestra using the established form.

The symphony has its origins in the baroque period, but the development occurs mainly throughout the eighteenth century. The eighteenth century is known as the Age of Enlightenment, and is a time when the middle class becomes important, and learning is focused on that is natural, able to be observed, and makes sense. Music is thought of a luxury, but a luxury that anyone could enjoy. It was not to be too complex, or emotional, or adventurous. It should be simple, pleasing to the ear, and have regular cadences and phrases. Symmetry, balance, logic, etc.
In Baroque, the musical interest is split between the two outermost voices, in Classical, it is singly in the highest voice, with everything else serving as supporting harmony.
Harmonic rhythm is slower, also.
Cosmopolitan style of European Music, rather than French traits, German contributions, etc. Italian poets were in Germany, German composer's in France, etc.