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- Samuel Barber
Symphony No. 1 in One Movement, Op. 9 (1936)
- G Schirmer Inc (World)
- 2+pic.2+ca.2+bcl.2+cbn/4331/timp.perc/hp/str
- 19 min
- 10th April 2025, Davies Symphony Hall, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
- 11th April 2025, Davies Symphony Hall, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
Programme Note
Composer Note:
The form of my Symphony in One Movement is a synthetic treatment of the four-movement classical symphony. It is based on three themes of the initial Allegro non troppo, which retain throughout the work their fundamental character. The Allegro opens with the usual exposition of a main theme, a more lyrical second theme, and a closing theme. After a brief development of the three themes, instead of the customary recapitulation, the first theme, in diminution forms the basis of a scherzo section (Vivace). The second theme (oboe over muted strings) then appears in augmentation, in an extended Andante tranquillo. An intense crescendo introduces the finale, which is a short passacaglia based on the first theme (introduced by the violoncelli and contra-bassi), over which, together with figures from other themes, the closing theme is woven, thus serving as a recapitulation for the entire symphony.
—Samuel Barber
The form of my Symphony in One Movement is a synthetic treatment of the four-movement classical symphony. It is based on three themes of the initial Allegro non troppo, which retain throughout the work their fundamental character. The Allegro opens with the usual exposition of a main theme, a more lyrical second theme, and a closing theme. After a brief development of the three themes, instead of the customary recapitulation, the first theme, in diminution forms the basis of a scherzo section (Vivace). The second theme (oboe over muted strings) then appears in augmentation, in an extended Andante tranquillo. An intense crescendo introduces the finale, which is a short passacaglia based on the first theme (introduced by the violoncelli and contra-bassi), over which, together with figures from other themes, the closing theme is woven, thus serving as a recapitulation for the entire symphony.
—Samuel Barber
Media
Symphony No. 1, Op. 9 (In One Movement)
Scores
Reviews
Barber's SYMPHONY NO. 1, a one-movement work in three sections, [has an] endearing lyricism...Barber was never afraid to make a huge statement, and just when you think he couldn't possibly ask for more volume from the orchestra, a tremendous wave of sound crashes in. But then the wave recedes, and sweet melody sings in its wake.
Discography
- LabelRCA
- Catalogue NumberRCA 60732-2-RC
American Classics
- LabelNaxos
- Catalogue Number8.559024
- ConductorMarin Alsop
- EnsembleRoyal Scottish National Orchestra
- LabelSony
- Catalogue Number64466
- ConductorBruno Walter
- EnsembleNew York Philharmonic
- LabelDecca
- Catalogue Number436288
- ConductorDavid Zinman
- EnsembleBaltimore Symphony Orchestra
More Info
- European premiere of Ellen Reid‘s TODAY AND TODAY…
- 31st March 2025
- The orchestral work TODAY AND TODAY... by Ellen Reid receives its European premiere on April 5 at the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, with Hannu Lintu conducting the Radio Filharmonisch Orkest.
