Composer

:

Robert Schumann

Genre

:

Symphony

Style

:

Symphony

Compose Date

:

1841

Average_duration

:

28:49

Movement_count

:

4

Movement ....

Robert Schumann's Symphony No. 4 in D minor, Op. 120 was composed in 1841 and premiered on February 6, 1853, in Leipzig, Germany. The symphony is divided into four movements and has a total duration of approximately 30 minutes. The first movement, marked "Ziemlich langsam - Lebhaft," begins with a slow and melancholic introduction, featuring a solo horn melody. The main theme is then introduced by the strings, which is characterized by its dotted rhythm and syncopated accents. The development section explores various themes and motifs from the exposition, leading to a dramatic recapitulation of the main theme. The second movement, marked "Romanze: Ziemlich langsam," is a lyrical and introspective piece, featuring a solo oboe melody accompanied by pizzicato strings. The middle section of the movement features a more agitated theme, which is eventually resolved back into the opening material. The third movement, marked "Scherzo: Lebhaft," is a lively and playful scherzo, featuring a syncopated main theme and a contrasting trio section. The scherzo is notable for its use of hemiola, a rhythmic device that creates a sense of shifting meter. The final movement, marked "Langsam - Lebhaft," begins with a slow and mournful introduction, featuring a solo clarinet melody. The main theme is then introduced by the strings, which is characterized by its dotted rhythm and syncopated accents, similar to the first movement. The development section explores various themes and motifs from the exposition, leading to a triumphant recapitulation of the main theme. Overall, Schumann's Symphony No. 4 is characterized by its lyrical melodies, dramatic contrasts, and use of rhythmic devices such as hemiola. The symphony is considered one of Schumann's most successful works and is a staple of the Romantic repertoire.

More....