The symphony

In the Romantic symphony:

• the first movement is always fast (Allegro).
• the second movement is usually much slower (Largo) and varies in mood.
• the third movement is a Scherzo - energetic with strong rhythms and sometimes using folklore.
• the fourth either imitates the first or contrasts it.

Three important symphonic composers were Brahms, Tchaikovsky and Mahler.

Brahms

• Brahms enlarged the orchestra with trombones and the double bassoon and occasionally the bass tuba in his symphonies.
• His first symphony (composed when he was 40) was nicknamed the 'tenth', suggesting it was a worthy successor to Beethoven's nine symphonies.

Dvorak

• Dvorak (like Beethoven) composed nine symphonies
• His ninth symphony was written in 1893 and first performed in New York.
• Listen to an extract from 'Symphony No 9, From the New World':

Tchaikovsky

• A Russian composer, he was influenced by folk music.
• Originally educated as a lawyer, he did not devote himself to music until the age of 23.
• Of his 6 symphonies, the last three are best known.
• Listen to the overture from his symphony 'Romeo and Juliet':

Mahler

• German composer of symphonies and 'Lieder'.
• During his lifetime he was thought of as one of the world's leading conductors.
• He wrote 10 symphonies with the last being unfinished.
• Listen to an extract from 'Symphony No 5:'

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