Composer

:

Leonard Bernstein

Genre

:

Symphony

Style

:

Symphony

Compose Date

:

1949 - 1965

Average_duration

:

37:19

Movement_count

:

6

Movement ....

Symphony No. 2 The Age of Anxiety is a composition by Leonard Bernstein, completed in 1949. It is a symphony in two parts, based on a poem of the same name by W.H. Auden. The premiere of the symphony was on April 8, 1950, with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, conducted by the composer himself. The symphony is divided into two parts, each with three movements. The first part is titled "The Prologue," and the second part is titled "The Seven Ages." The movements are as follows: Part I: 1. The Prologue: Lento moderato 2. The Seven Ages: Variation I (L'istesso tempo) 3. The Seven Ages: Variation II (Poco più mosso) Part II: 4. The Seven Ages: Variation III (Largamente, ma mosso) 5. The Seven Ages: Variation IV (Più mosso) 6. The Seven Ages: Variation V (Agitato) The symphony is characterized by its use of jazz and other popular music styles, as well as its incorporation of Auden's poem into the musical structure. The first movement, "The Prologue," sets the tone for the entire symphony, with its brooding, introspective mood. The second and third movements of Part I are variations on a theme, with the second movement featuring a solo piano and the third movement featuring a solo clarinet. Part II of the symphony is more lively and energetic, with each movement representing a different stage of life. The fourth movement, "Variation III," is particularly notable for its use of a solo trumpet, which represents the "masculine" aspect of life. The final movement, "Variation V," is a frenzied, chaotic finale that represents the anxieties of modern life. Overall, Symphony No. 2 The Age of Anxiety is a complex and ambitious work that reflects the anxieties and uncertainties of the post-war era. Its use of popular music styles and incorporation of Auden's poem make it a unique and innovative contribution to the symphonic repertoire.

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