Composer

:

Hugh Wood

Genre

:

Symphony

Style

:

Symphony

First Performance

:

Jul 1982

Average_duration

:

41:27

Symphony, Op. 21 is a four-movement orchestral work composed by British composer Hugh Wood. The symphony was completed in 1964 and premiered on October 22, 1965, by the BBC Symphony Orchestra conducted by Colin Davis. The first movement, marked Allegro, opens with a lively and rhythmic theme in the strings, which is then taken up by the woodwinds and brass. The music is characterized by its angular melodies, dissonant harmonies, and complex rhythms. The movement builds to a powerful climax before subsiding into a quiet coda. The second movement, marked Adagio, is a slow and introspective piece that features a hauntingly beautiful melody in the strings. The music is characterized by its lush harmonies and expressive phrasing. The movement builds to a powerful climax before subsiding into a quiet coda. The third movement, marked Scherzo, is a lively and playful piece that features a rhythmic ostinato in the strings. The music is characterized by its syncopated rhythms, playful melodies, and colorful orchestration. The movement builds to a frenzied climax before subsiding into a quiet coda. The fourth and final movement, marked Allegro molto, is a fast and energetic piece that features a driving rhythm in the strings. The music is characterized by its virtuosic orchestration, complex rhythms, and frenzied energy. The movement builds to a powerful climax before subsiding into a quiet coda. Overall, Symphony, Op. 21 is a challenging and complex work that showcases Hugh Wood's mastery of orchestration and his ability to create music that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally engaging. The symphony is a testament to Wood's status as one of the leading British composers of the 20th century.

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