Composer

:

John Harbison

Genre

:

Symphony

Style

:

Symphony

Compose Date

:

1991

Average_duration

:

23:50

Symphony No. 3 is a composition by American composer John Harbison. It was composed in 1986 and premiered on March 5, 1987, by the Boston Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Seiji Ozawa. The symphony is divided into four movements and has a total duration of approximately 35 minutes. The first movement, marked "Moderato," begins with a slow, mournful theme played by the strings. This theme is then developed and expanded upon by the rest of the orchestra, creating a sense of tension and unease. The movement ends with a return to the original theme, played softly by the strings. The second movement, marked "Allegro," is a lively and energetic scherzo. The music is characterized by its rhythmic drive and playful melodies, with the various sections of the orchestra trading off musical ideas. The third movement, marked "Adagio," is the emotional heart of the symphony. It begins with a hauntingly beautiful melody played by the English horn, which is then taken up by the rest of the orchestra. The music builds to a powerful climax before subsiding into a quiet, reflective coda. The final movement, marked "Allegro con brio," is a fast and frenetic finale. The music is characterized by its driving rhythms and complex harmonies, with the various sections of the orchestra engaging in a lively dialogue. The movement ends with a triumphant coda, bringing the symphony to a thrilling conclusion. Overall, Symphony No. 3 is a powerful and emotionally charged work, showcasing Harbison's skill as a composer and his ability to create music that is both intellectually stimulating and deeply moving.

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