Composer

:

Walter Piston

Genre

:

Symphony

Style

:

Symphony

Compose Date

:

1943

Average_duration

:

26:21

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

Symphony No. 2 is a four-movement orchestral work composed by Walter Piston. It was completed in 1943 and premiered on November 18, 1944, by the Boston Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Serge Koussevitzky. The first movement, marked Allegro, opens with a lively and rhythmic theme in the strings. The woodwinds then introduce a contrasting melody, which is developed throughout the movement. The movement ends with a recapitulation of the opening theme. The second movement, marked Adagio, is a slow and lyrical piece. It begins with a mournful melody in the strings, which is then taken up by the woodwinds. The movement builds to a climax before subsiding into a quiet coda. The third movement, marked Allegro vivace, is a scherzo. It is characterized by its playful and energetic rhythms, which are punctuated by sudden bursts of brass and percussion. The trio section features a more lyrical melody, which is then developed and combined with the scherzo material. The final movement, marked Allegro energico, is a fast and lively piece. It opens with a fanfare-like theme in the brass, which is then taken up by the strings. The movement features a number of contrasting themes and textures, including a fugue-like section in the middle. The symphony ends with a triumphant restatement of the opening theme. Overall, Symphony No. 2 is a work of great energy and vitality. It showcases Piston's skill as an orchestrator, with a wide range of colors and textures throughout the piece. The symphony is also notable for its use of traditional forms and structures, which are combined with a modern harmonic language.

More....