What does programmatic music refer to?

Programmatic music refers to pieces that are intended to evoke or represent a specific narrative, story, or idea beyond just enjoying the auditory experience. This genre of music aims to convey emotions, scenes, or concepts through its composition, often guiding the listener through an auditory journey that aligns with a particular theme or storyline. By using various musical techniques, such as motifs, changes in dynamics, and instrumentations, programmatic music creates an immersive experience that is meant to stimulate the imagination, allowing listeners to visualize or interpret the represented narrative.

The other options do not capture the essence of programmatic music. Randomly chosen music lacks intentional representation, improvisational music focuses on spontaneity rather than a fixed narrative, and looping music simply refers to repetition without implying any story or meaning. Thus, the option that defines programmatic music most accurately is the one that highlights its function in narrating or illustrating an idea.