Composer

:

Camille Saint-Saëns

Genre

:

Symphony

Style

:

Symphony

Compose Date

:

1859

Average_duration

:

23:08

Movement_count

:

4

Movement ....

Camille Saint-Saëns composed his Symphony No. 2 in A minor, Op. 55, between 1859 and 1861. The symphony premiered on January 26, 1863, at the Salle Pleyel in Paris, with the composer conducting. The symphony is in four movements and has a total duration of approximately 30 minutes. The first movement, marked Allegro marcato, begins with a dramatic and forceful theme played by the strings. The theme is then developed and expanded upon by the woodwinds and brass. The second theme, played by the clarinet, is more lyrical and provides a contrast to the first theme. The movement ends with a recapitulation of the main themes. The second movement, marked Adagio, is a slow and melancholic piece. It begins with a mournful melody played by the strings, which is then taken up by the woodwinds. The movement builds to a climax before subsiding into a quiet and reflective coda. The third movement, marked Scherzo, is a lively and playful piece. It features a fast and rhythmic theme played by the strings, which is then echoed by the woodwinds and brass. The trio section provides a contrast with a more lyrical and flowing melody played by the strings. The final movement, marked Prestissimo, is a fast and energetic piece. It begins with a lively theme played by the strings, which is then developed and expanded upon by the woodwinds and brass. The movement builds to a frenzied climax before ending with a triumphant coda. Overall, Saint-Saëns' Symphony No. 2 is characterized by its dramatic and forceful themes, as well as its lyrical and reflective moments. The symphony showcases the composer's skill in orchestration and his ability to create memorable melodies. It remains a popular work in the orchestral repertoire.

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