Composer

:

Albéric Magnard

Genre

:

Symphony

Style

:

Symphony

Compose Date

:

1890

Average_duration

:

32:12

Movement_count

:

4

Movement ....

Symphony No. 1 in C minor, Op. 4 is a four-movement symphony composed by French composer Albéric Magnard. The symphony was composed in 1893 when Magnard was just 20 years old. It premiered on January 31, 1894, at the Société Nationale de Musique in Paris, conducted by Charles Lamoureux. The first movement, marked Allegro, begins with a dramatic and forceful introduction, featuring a descending motif in the strings. The main theme is then introduced in the cellos and basses, which is then developed throughout the movement. The second movement, marked Andante, is a lyrical and melancholic piece, featuring a beautiful melody in the strings. The third movement, marked Scherzo, is a lively and energetic piece, featuring a playful melody in the woodwinds. The final movement, marked Finale, is a grand and triumphant piece, featuring a majestic theme in the brass. The symphony is characterized by its use of chromaticism and dissonance, which was unusual for the time. Magnard was heavily influenced by the music of Richard Wagner, and this influence can be heard in the use of leitmotifs and the dramatic and emotional nature of the music. The symphony also features a large orchestra, with a full complement of brass, woodwinds, strings, and percussion. Despite its initial success, Symphony No. 1 in C minor, Op. 4 was largely forgotten after Magnard's death in 1914. However, in recent years, there has been a renewed interest in Magnard's music, and his Symphony No. 1 in C minor, Op. 4 has been recognized as a masterpiece of French symphonic music.

More....