Symphony in E-flat (Stravinsky)

The Symphony in E-flat major, Op. 1, is the first published work composed by Igor Stravinsky during his apprenticeship with Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov. It is also his first composition for orchestra. Of classical structure, it is broadly influenced by Rimsky-Korsakov, Glazunov, Tchaikovsky and Wagner.[1] It was composed in 1905–1907 and revised in 1913. It lasts for about forty minutes.

History

The score bears the dedication "To my dear teacher N. A. Rimsky-Korsakov". A private performance was given on 27 April 1907 by the St. Petersburg Court Orchestra conducted by H. Wahrlich, in a concert that also included the first performance of Faun and Shepherdess.[2] Stravinsky later recalled that both Rimsky-Korsakov and Glazunov considered the orchestration "too heavy".[1] The first public performance was conducted by Felix Blumenfeld on 22 January 1908. A revised version was conducted by Ernest Ansermet on 2 April 1914, and the composer conducted this version in his later performances.[2]

Instrumentation

The symphony is scored for 3 flutes (3rd doubling piccolo), 2 oboes, 3 clarinets, 2 bassoons, 4 horns, 3 trumpets, 3 trombones, tuba, percussion and strings.[2]

Movements

Allegro moderato

The first movement is in sonata form.[1]

Scherzo

This movement was sometimes played alone at performances of the Russian Ballet. Stravinsky incorporated into it a Russian folk song similar to one he used in Petrushka.[2]

Largo

The longest movement of the symphony, lasting almost fifteen minutes.

Finale

The finale is a rondo.[1] As in the second movement, Stravinsky includes a popular song ("Tchitcher-Yatcher"). He used it again in his Trois petites chansons of 1913.[2]

Discography

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Walsh, Stephen (1988). The Music of Stravinsky. Oxford: Oxford University Press. pp. 8–11. ISBN 0-19-816375-4.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 White, Eric Walter (1979). Stravinsky: the Composer and his Works (2nd ed.). Berkeley and Los Angeles: University of California Press. pp. 29 & 176–177. ISBN 0-520-03985-8.
  3. ↑ Works of Igor Stravinsky. 22-CD set. Sony Classical 88697103112. New York: Sony BMG Music Entertainment, 2007. Disc 8, "Stravinsky – Symphony in E-flat, Rehearsals & Talks" 88697103112-08.


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