Composer

:

Henri Dutilleux

Genre

:

Symphony

Style

:

Symphony

Compose Date

:

1955 - 1959

Publication Date

:

1962

First Performance

:

Dec 11, 1959

Average_duration

:

29:59

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

Henri Dutilleux's Symphony No. 2: Le Double is a four-movement symphony that was composed between 1959 and 1960. It premiered on January 7, 1961, in Paris, France, with the Orchestre National de France conducted by Charles Munch. The first movement, "Animato," begins with a lively and energetic theme played by the strings. This theme is then passed around to the woodwinds and brass, creating a sense of excitement and anticipation. The movement is characterized by its use of complex rhythms and harmonies, as well as its frequent use of dissonance. The second movement, "Andante sostenuto," is a slow and contemplative piece that features a haunting melody played by the English horn. This melody is then taken up by the strings and developed throughout the movement. The movement is notable for its use of extended techniques, such as sul ponticello (playing near the bridge of the instrument) and harmonics (producing a high-pitched sound by lightly touching the string). The third movement, "Allegro fuocoso," is a fast and fiery piece that features a driving rhythm and a sense of urgency. The movement is characterized by its use of syncopation and its frequent changes in tempo and meter. The movement builds to a frenzied climax before coming to a sudden stop. The final movement, "Lento," is a slow and introspective piece that features a lyrical melody played by the strings. This melody is then taken up by the woodwinds and developed throughout the movement. The movement is notable for its use of silence and its gradual build-up of tension, leading to a powerful climax. Overall, Symphony No. 2: Le Double is characterized by its use of complex rhythms and harmonies, its frequent use of dissonance, and its innovative use of extended techniques. It is considered one of Dutilleux's most important works and has been widely performed and recorded.

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