The
Symphony No. 3 in C major, Op. 52, by
Jean Sibelius is a
symphony in three
movements composed in 1907. Coming between the
romantic intensity of Sibelius's first two symphonies and the more austere complexity of his later symphonies, it is a good-natured, triumphal, and deceptively simple-sounding piece. The symphony's first performance was given by the
Helsinki Philharmonic Society, conducted by the composer, on 25 September 1907. In the same concert, his suite from the incidental music to
Belshazzar's Feast, Op. 51, was also performed for the first time.
The first recording featured the great Finnish conductor
Robert Kajanus leading the
London Symphony Orchestra, for the
HMV label in January 1934.
Composition
The Third symphony represents a turning point in Sibelius's symphonic output. His
First and
Second symphonies are grandiose
Romantic and patriotic works. The Third, however, shows a distinct, almost
Classical desire to contain the largest amount of musical material in the fewest possible melodic figures, harmonies, and durations. This musical economy is most apparent in the first movement, almost reminiscent of
Beethoven in its clear and cleanly developed sections; a typical performance runs slightly under half an hour.
Movements
- Allegro moderato
- Andantino con moto, quasi allegretto
- Moderato - Allegro ma non tanto
The symphony opens with a strident and rhythmic melody in the
cellos and
double basses, after the announcement of which the
brass and the...
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