Composer

:

James MacMillan

Genre

:

Symphony

Style

:

Symphony

Compose Date

:

2002

Average_duration

:

37:52

Symphony No. 3 Silence is a contemporary classical composition by Scottish composer James MacMillan. The symphony was composed in 2002 and premiered on August 30, 2003, at the BBC Proms in London, conducted by Donald Runnicles. The symphony is divided into three movements and has a total duration of approximately 35 minutes. The first movement, titled "Pensive," begins with a slow and contemplative melody played by the strings. The music gradually builds in intensity, with the addition of brass and percussion, before subsiding back into a more reflective mood. The movement is characterized by its use of long, sustained notes and a sense of introspection. The second movement, titled "Energetic," is a lively and rhythmic scherzo. The music is marked by its use of syncopated rhythms and driving percussion. The movement is more extroverted than the first, with a sense of urgency and momentum. The final movement, titled "Tranquil," is a slow and peaceful meditation. The music is marked by its use of gentle, flowing melodies and a sense of serenity. The movement gradually builds in intensity, with the addition of brass and percussion, before subsiding back into a more tranquil mood. The symphony ends with a sense of calm and resolution. Overall, Symphony No. 3 Silence is characterized by its use of contrasting moods and textures. The symphony explores themes of introspection, energy, and tranquility, and is marked by its use of long, sustained notes, syncopated rhythms, and driving percussion. The symphony is a powerful and evocative work that showcases MacMillan's skill as a composer.

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