Symphony in C highlights
(Timings are approximate)
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Movement I: Fanfare and Dance 0:00-8:42
The work begins with a brass fanfare, quickly shifting into a steady, bolero-like rhythm in the low strings with the melody in the violins.
The rhythm then shifts to the horns and the melody to the woodwinds.
All is repeated with gradually increasing speed and intensity as other instruments join in.
A gentle woodwind and brass chorale grows directly out of the bolero melody. Brass instruments then introduce a dramatic statement based on the chorale.
The music cycles back to the woodwind and brass chorale and then returns to the repeating bolero rhythm. It closes with a variation of the opening fanfare to complete the movement.
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Movement II: Apassionato 8:51-20:38
Lower strings open with a warm, passionate melody that sets a quiet, thoughtful mood.
Woodwinds and brass gradually enter, building a wall of sound based on the melody.
Violins introduce a fresh, distinct motif and variations appear in the orchestra until it reappears in the trumpets.
Clarinets and strings introduce a new playful, theme and pass it back and forth.
Plucked strings (pizzicato) and woodwinds develop the original theme into a complex, swirling climax.
The English horn echoes the violin’s motif, and the movement gently ends as the opening string melody returns.
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Movement III: Scherzo 20:47-27:38
Shimmering, rustling strings pair with a sharp, rhythmic pulsating theme from the woodwinds and timpani to open the movement.
Strings and timpani introduce a dynamic refrain, while woodwinds take over the rustling motif and horns carry the rhythm.
Both themes are repeated with variations.
The tempo eases, letting clarinets, trumpets, and flutes build a quiet, suspended sense of anticipation.
The movement ends with a burst of sound in the brass and timpani.
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Movement IV: Con Brio 27:42-35:18
The strings kick off the last movement with a lilting theme. Percussion joins in, and horns and trombones quickly echo the melody. After a brief development, the trumpets, woodwinds, and harp take the lead. The music transforms into a grand processional as the brass, percussion, and high-trilling woodwinds weave a bright counter-melody above the texture.
The energy softens into a longing section featuring the strings, harp, and woodwinds. This quiet interlude builds back into a fresh variation of the original processional.
The playful theme from the second movement returns, carried by the flutes and oboes.
A lively development section ripples through the harp, brass, and pizzicato strings before expanding into the full orchestra. The movement—and the entire symphony—ends gently with the return of the romantic theme from the second movement, drifting away on a quiet, peaceful note.