Composer

:

George Enescu

Genre

:

Symphony

Style

:

Symphony

Compose Date

:

Sep 4, 1912 - Nov 18, 1914

First Performance

:

Mar 15, 1915

Average_duration

:

50:01

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

Symphony No. 2 in A major, Op. 17, is a four-movement symphony composed by the Romanian composer George Enescu. The symphony was composed between 1911 and 1914 and premiered on November 25, 1914, in Bucharest, Romania, conducted by the composer himself. The first movement, marked "Vivace, ma non troppo," begins with a lively and energetic theme played by the strings. The theme is then developed and expanded upon by the woodwinds and brass, creating a sense of excitement and anticipation. The movement features a number of contrasting themes and moods, including a lyrical second theme and a more subdued middle section. The movement ends with a triumphant restatement of the opening theme. The second movement, marked "Andante malinconico," is a slow and melancholic piece that features a hauntingly beautiful melody played by the strings. The melody is then taken up by the woodwinds and brass, creating a sense of longing and nostalgia. The movement is characterized by its rich harmonies and lush orchestration, and it ends with a quiet and introspective coda. The third movement, marked "Scherzo: Molto vivace," is a lively and playful piece that features a number of rhythmic and melodic motifs played by the various sections of the orchestra. The movement is characterized by its energetic and virtuosic writing, and it ends with a frenzied coda that brings the movement to a thrilling conclusion. The final movement, marked "Finale: Presto," is a fast and exhilarating piece that features a number of driving rhythms and soaring melodies. The movement is characterized by its sense of urgency and momentum, and it builds to a powerful and triumphant conclusion. Overall, Symphony No. 2 in A major, Op. 17, is a masterful work that showcases Enescu's skill as a composer and his deep understanding of orchestration and musical form. The symphony is characterized by its rich harmonies, lush orchestration, and virtuosic writing, and it remains one of Enescu's most popular and enduring works.

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