Composer

:

Humphrey Searle

Genre

:

Symphony

Style

:

Symphony

Compose Date

:

1958

Average_duration

:

19:45

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

Symphony No. 2, Op. 33 is a four-movement orchestral work composed by British composer Humphrey Searle. The symphony was completed in 1956 and premiered on October 17, 1957, by the BBC Symphony Orchestra conducted by Rudolf Schwarz. The first movement, marked Allegro moderato, opens with a somber and brooding theme in the strings. The music gradually builds in intensity, with the brass and percussion adding weight and power to the texture. The second theme, introduced by the woodwinds, provides a moment of respite before the music returns to the opening material. The movement ends with a dramatic coda that brings the music to a thrilling conclusion. The second movement, marked Adagio, is a slow and introspective piece that features a haunting melody in the strings. The music is characterized by its lush harmonies and expressive lyricism, with the woodwinds and brass providing subtle color and texture. The movement builds to a powerful climax before subsiding into a quiet and reflective coda. The third movement, marked Scherzo, is a lively and energetic piece that features a playful and rhythmic theme in the strings. The music is characterized by its lively rhythms and colorful orchestration, with the woodwinds and percussion adding a sense of whimsy and humor. The trio section provides a moment of contrast, with a more lyrical and introspective theme in the strings. The final movement, marked Allegro con fuoco, is a fast and furious piece that features a driving and relentless theme in the strings. The music is characterized by its frenetic energy and virtuosic orchestration, with the brass and percussion adding a sense of power and excitement. The movement builds to a thrilling climax before ending with a triumphant coda. Overall, Symphony No. 2, Op. 33 is a powerful and expressive work that showcases Searle's skill as a composer. The music is characterized by its lush harmonies, colorful orchestration, and dramatic intensity, making it a compelling addition to the orchestral repertoire.

More....