What are the characteristics of a symphony?

Answer 1

The conventional symphony, as developed by early classical-period composers, mainly Haydn and Mozart, is an orchestral composition in four movements. The first movement, and sometimes the fourth, is in what is called the "sonata-allegro" form, and is in a quick tempo. Two or more main themes are presented, the first in the tonic key and the second in the dominant key, followed by a development section in which changes of key, variation and combination occur, then a restatement of the original themes both this time in the tonic key, and a short summing-up section called the "coda." The second movement is generally slow, usually in an a-b-a form in which two outer sections are separated by a contrasting one. The third is generally a faster three-part dance movement or a scherzo, again in a three-part a-b-a configuration. The fourth movement is again fast, sometimes a rondo, in which a first theme is alternated with others, a-b-a-c-a-d-a, and so forth, with a final coda.

Answer 2

No. While many symphonies feature solo passages for individual players, none are of such prominence that the players sit or stand out front. What that statement describes is a concerto.