Composer

:

Ralph Vaughan Williams

Genre

:

Symphony

Style

:

Symphony

Compose Date

:

1911 - 1913

Average_duration

:

45:50

Movement_count

:

4

Movement ....

Ralph Vaughan Williams' Symphony No. 2, also known as A London Symphony, was composed between 1911 and 1913. It premiered on March 27, 1914, at the Queen's Hall in London, conducted by the composer himself. The symphony is in four movements and has a duration of approximately 50 minutes. The first movement, marked Lento - Allegro risoluto, begins with a hauntingly beautiful introduction featuring the strings and woodwinds. The main theme is then introduced by the brass section, which is followed by a lively and energetic development section. The movement ends with a triumphant coda. The second movement, marked Lento, is a serene and peaceful interlude. It features a beautiful melody played by the strings, which is then passed on to the woodwinds. The movement ends quietly, leading into the third movement. The third movement, marked Scherzo (Nocturne), is a lively and energetic dance. It features a playful and whimsical melody played by the woodwinds, which is then taken up by the strings. The movement ends with a quiet and mysterious coda. The fourth and final movement, marked Andante con moto - Maestoso alla marcia - Allegro, is a grand and majestic finale. It begins with a slow and solemn introduction, which is followed by a lively and energetic march. The movement features a number of memorable themes, including a beautiful melody played by the strings and a triumphant fanfare played by the brass. The symphony ends with a powerful and majestic coda. A London Symphony is characterized by its lush and evocative orchestration, which captures the spirit of the city of London. The symphony is full of memorable melodies and rich harmonies, and it is considered one of Vaughan Williams' greatest works. It is a testament to the composer's skill as a master of orchestration and his ability to capture the essence of a place through music.

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