Composer

:

Benjamin Lees

Genre

:

Symphony

Style

:

Symphony

Compose Date

:

1958

Average_duration

:

26:09

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

Symphony No. 2 is a four-movement orchestral work composed by Benjamin Lees. It was completed in 1956 and premiered on January 10, 1957, by the Louisville Orchestra under the direction of Robert Whitney. The first movement, marked "Allegro con brio," opens with a bold and energetic theme in the strings, which is then taken up by the brass. The movement is characterized by its rhythmic drive and use of syncopation, as well as its frequent use of ostinato figures. The development section features a fugato based on the opening theme, and the movement concludes with a restatement of the main theme. The second movement, marked "Andante," is a lyrical and introspective piece featuring a solo oboe and a solo cello. The movement is notable for its use of extended harmonies and its richly textured orchestration, which includes a prominent role for the harp. The middle section of the movement features a hauntingly beautiful melody in the strings, which is then taken up by the woodwinds. The third movement, marked "Scherzo: Allegro vivace," is a lively and playful piece characterized by its use of irregular meters and its frequent changes of tempo. The movement features a number of contrasting sections, including a trio section marked by its use of pizzicato strings and a solo clarinet. The final movement, marked "Allegro con fuoco," is a triumphant and exuberant piece that brings the symphony to a rousing conclusion. The movement features a number of memorable themes, including a fanfare-like motif in the brass and a soaring melody in the strings. The movement builds to a thrilling climax, with the full orchestra joining in a final statement of the main theme. Overall, Symphony No. 2 is a powerful and dynamic work that showcases Lees' skill as a composer. Its use of bold themes, rich harmonies, and intricate orchestration make it a standout piece in the orchestral repertoire.

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