Your Beginner’s Guide To Symphonies
Have you always heard never ending praises about Western Classical Music and have never been introduced to it? I know it is very overwhelming to enter the world of orchestras, sonatas, compositions and movements– but if you read up on one topic day after day, you’ll be good enough to converse with a pro very soon. I suggest we start by learning about symphonies– one of the most popular forms of Western Classical music that the whole world loves. Are you on board? Let’s begin!
1. What is the fundamental meaning of a symphony?
It’s not rocket science– let me assure you! It is basically an extended composition usually scored for an orchestra. Although, symphonies are usually composed according to the sonata principle, it’s not a rule to do so. To make it simple, most symphonies are made out of three or four ‘movements’. This implies a difference in speed and the style of notes. Oh by the way, have you heard this before – “Know the rules before you break them?” Well, maestros like Beethoven, Joseph Haydn and Mozart completely flouted this structured form. But mind you, since you are a beginner, don’t jump onto their bandwagon. Learn the rules first before you break them!
2. What do ‘movements’ mean?
Imagine the various partitions in your closet that make it a piece of complete storage. Some drawers are small, others are large, some are pull-outs and the others are fixed, isn’t it? The same applies to symphonies! The first movement is fast and well-paced, the second is slow and peaceful, and the third movement is in the form of a Scherzo. Now do you see why you feel emotional ups and down as the symphony progresses? That’s because the themes are developed, given height and again controlled according to these ‘movements.’ Better educated on that one now, aren’t you?
3. The longest symphony
Which symphony do you think is the most widely recognized and repetitively played in the whole world? Okay, I knew you would say Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, but apart from that? No idea? Well, Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 3 is one of the longest symphonies ever created- around 95 minutes long. Composed between 1893 and 1896, it is still performed in symphony halls around the world. It’s difficult to even believe that a piece of music can last this long. Get your hands on this beautiful symphony today.
4. The feel and vibe of different symphonies
Okay ladies, you really need to thank me for this one. In just a few lines, I’m giving you a summary about what different famous symphonies feel and sound like. Now, you may rote this up and show off to your friends (which you are most welcome to!), but I suggest to genuinely understand the nuances between various symphonies, check all of them out on Youtube. Symphonies composed by Brahms, Beethoven and Schubert are quite melodious and lyrical in nature, whereas symphonies put to music by maestros like Tchaikovsky, Copland and Rachmaninov are more chaotic and replete with the use of cymbals. If you’re thinking what grand majestic symphonies sound like, then try listening to the music of Bruckner and Sibelius. You’ll feel like you’re witnessing the arrival a royal procession.
