Composer

:

Malcolm Arnold

Genre

:

Symphony

Style

:

Symphony

Compose Date

:

1953

First Performance

:

May 25, 1953

Average_duration

:

27:54

Movement_count

:

4

Movement ....

Symphony No. 2, Op. 40 is a four-movement symphony composed by British composer Malcolm Arnold. The symphony was composed in 1953 and premiered on October 15, 1953, by the London Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by the composer himself. The first movement, marked Allegretto, begins with a lively and rhythmic theme played by the strings. The theme is then passed on to the woodwinds and brass, creating a lively and energetic atmosphere. 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 first theme, bringing the movement to a lively and energetic close. The second movement, marked Vivace, is a scherzo that begins with a playful and rhythmic theme played by the strings. The theme is then passed on to the woodwinds and brass, creating a lively and energetic atmosphere. The trio section provides a contrast to the scherzo, with a more lyrical and melodic theme played by the strings. The scherzo theme returns, bringing the movement to a lively and energetic close. The third movement, marked Adagio, is a slow and lyrical movement that begins with a hauntingly beautiful theme played by the strings. The theme is then passed on to the woodwinds and brass, creating a melancholic and reflective atmosphere. The movement builds to a climax before returning to the hauntingly beautiful theme, bringing the movement to a peaceful and reflective close. The fourth and final movement, marked Con brio, is a lively and energetic movement that begins with a rhythmic and playful theme played by the strings. The theme is then passed on to the woodwinds and brass, creating a lively and energetic atmosphere. The second theme, played by the clarinet, is more lyrical and provides a contrast to the first theme. The movement builds to a climax before returning to the first theme, bringing the symphony to a lively and energetic close. Overall, Symphony No. 2, Op. 40 is a lively and energetic symphony that showcases Arnold's skill in orchestration and his ability to create memorable themes. The symphony is a testament to Arnold's talent as a composer and remains a popular work in the orchestral repertoire.

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