Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Arthur Rubinstein Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Paweł Przytocki.
I - Allegro con spirito, un poco pastorale: 0:00
II - Andante molto cantabile: 11:04
III - Scherzo. Presto - Allegretto - Presto (Tempo I) - Allegretto - Allegro: 19:39
IV - Finale. Allegro energico e risoluto: 24:41
Wieniawski's Symphony in D major was composed in 1890, while the composer was working in Moscow as part of the piano faculty at the Moscow Conservatory. It is structured in four movements and written in a conservative romantic idiom influenced by Brahms and Mendelssohn. Unfortunately there's no more info on the piece,
The first movement is structured in sonata form. It begins with a pastoral main theme in D major presented by horns over strings, rising in a bright climax on full orchestra. After a modulatory transition, a melodic second theme is presented by strings, which gives way to a rhythmic third theme on full orchestra. The development opens with the return of the main theme, being transformed alongside the rest as the music modulates through the keys. A solemn transition leads to the recapitulation of the themes. A substantial coda ends the allegro with a calm pianissimo.
The second movement is written in ternary form. It opens with a deeply lyrical and cantabile main theme in B-flat major, presented by cellos and becoming more passionate and expressive as it unfolds. The central section features a rocking and gentle second theme in B major, followed by a transition that leads to the recapitulation of the main theme. The music then reaches another expressive and romantic climax. The andante then ends with a serene and contemplative coda.
The third movement is a scherzo in an expanded ternary form (A-B-A'-B'-Coda). It begins with a rhythmic and vigorous main theme in G minor, introduced by strings with a folkish air. It is contrasted by a more melodic idea in a major key on cellos. The trio section features a gentle, dance-like theme in G major that is also of folkish flavour. The scherzo's main theme is then recapitulated, followed by a brief recapitulation of the trio material on woodwinds. A firm ascending coda ends the scherzo in G minor.
The fourth movement is structured in sonata form. It opens with an ostinato figure on low strings, which leads to a rhythmic and imperious main theme in D major on strings and woodwinds. A more melodic second theme is then presented by cellos. The ensuing development is more dramatic, with sudden modulations to minor keys. The main themes are then recapitulated, before a life-affirming and solemn coda ends the symphony with a radiant D major.
Picture: "An Idyll. Before the Storm" (1885) by Polish painter Józef Chełmoński.
Musical analysis written by myself.
To check the score: tinyurl.com/2y9fgtqb
Arthur Rubinstein Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Paweł Przytocki.
I - Allegro con spirito, un poco pastorale: 0:00
II - Andante molto cantabile: 11:04
III - Scherzo. Presto - Allegretto - Presto (Tempo I) - Allegretto - Allegro: 19:39
IV - Finale. Allegro energico e risoluto: 24:41
Wieniawski's Symphony in D major was composed in 1890, while the composer was working in Moscow as part of the piano faculty at the Moscow Conservatory. It is structured in four movements and written in a conservative romantic idiom influenced by Brahms and Mendelssohn. Unfortunately there's no more info on the piece,
The first movement is structured in sonata form. It begins with a pastoral main theme in D major presented by horns over strings, rising in a bright climax on full orchestra. After a modulatory transition, a melodic second theme is presented by strings, which gives way to a rhythmic third theme on full orchestra. The development opens with the return of the main theme, being transformed alongside the rest as the music modulates through the keys. A solemn transition leads to the recapitulation of the themes. A substantial coda ends the allegro with a calm pianissimo.
The second movement is written in ternary form. It opens with a deeply lyrical and cantabile main theme in B-flat major, presented by cellos and becoming more passionate and expressive as it unfolds. The central section features a rocking and gentle second theme in B major, followed by a transition that leads to the recapitulation of the main theme. The music then reaches another expressive and romantic climax. The andante then ends with a serene and contemplative coda.
The third movement is a scherzo in an expanded ternary form (A-B-A'-B'-Coda). It begins with a rhythmic and vigorous main theme in G minor, introduced by strings with a folkish air. It is contrasted by a more melodic idea in a major key on cellos. The trio section features a gentle, dance-like theme in G major that is also of folkish flavour. The scherzo's main theme is then recapitulated, followed by a brief recapitulation of the trio material on woodwinds. A firm ascending coda ends the scherzo in G minor.
The fourth movement is structured in sonata form. It opens with an ostinato figure on low strings, which leads to a rhythmic and imperious main theme in D major on strings and woodwinds. A more melodic second theme is then presented by cellos. The ensuing development is more dramatic, with sudden modulations to minor keys. The main themes are then recapitulated, before a life-affirming and solemn coda ends the symphony with a radiant D major.
Picture: "An Idyll. Before the Storm" (1885) by Polish painter Józef Chełmoński.
Musical analysis written by myself.
To check the score: tinyurl.com/2y9fgtqb
