Your Beginner’s Guide To Symphonies
5. Types of Symphonies
We’re now getting into deeper waters. Did you know that a symphony is not a blanket term? There are so many types within a symphony than can arise simply from a change of instrument, notes or style. Let’s take a concerto for instance. It is similar to a symphony but with a solo instrument with the orchestra, such as the piano or a violin. On the other hand, the symphonic poem is a type of program music comprising just one movement. Confused? Let me give you a more familiar example. Do you remember ‘Also Sprach Zarathustra’ from the movie ‘2001: A Space Odyssey?’ Well – that’s a symphonic poem! Next comes an overture– which you might have heard of often, but you don’t really know what it is, right? This is also a single movement, freestanding symphony without any reference point to other works. It often generates literary or visual associations. Phew– I know this is getting a bit too techie, but there’s one last type you just ought to know– A suite. An orchestral suite is a group of symphony pieces related to each other either by form or theme. It may include some dance forms.
6. Instruments of a Symphony orchestra
Okay, let’s test your beginners’ knowledge about symphonies. How many of the following instruments have you heard of: Clarinet, Bassoon, Snare drum, Oboe, Harp, Flute, Piccolo, Xylophone, Tuba, Cello, Trumpet, French Horn, Violin, Double Bass, Timpani, Cymbals, Trombone, Bass drum. Very few? Worry not – I was in the same boat as you until I started watching symphony orchestras and noticing the slight differences between the notes that each instrument generated. It will take you quite a while to get through this, let me tell you. I suggest you become familiar with all these instruments separately until you start listening to full blown symphonic compositions.
7. Beethoven, Bach & Mozart: The difference?
To begin with, this is not a fair comparison because all these three symphony composers represent three different eras and styles. But I’m sure you’ve still heard music aficionados discussing who’s better, right? I’ll explain to you what they mean by ‘better’. Bach has a baroque style of music – which in simple terms, means that it was a highly embellished, church organ style and very ‘heavy’ to listen to. Now let’s fast forward 6 years and come to Mozart. His music was much lighter, representing the Classical period in the Arts. Want to go 20 years ahead? Now we come to Beethoven, whose music is still so popular. That’s because his symphonies are melodious and swift. They are easy to listen to as symphonies alone or even as background music to a film, for instance. This is the typical quality of the Romantic era that he ushered in. Now, I’m, sure you have a larger sense of why these three are always compared? It’s like comparing three actors from three different times who played James Bond. The comparison is stupid– but inevitable!
8. The most popular symphonies
Now that you’re all set with beginner’s knowledge on symphonies, I’m sure that you’re dying to start listening to a few of them. I think that’s a great way to begin. Listen, listen and listen more! I personally love Mozart’s Symphony No. 34, 40 and 41. My Beethoven favorites are Symphony No. 3, 7, 5 and 9. You could even give Rossini’s overtures a shot. Listen to his overtures titled ‘L’italiana in Algeri’, ‘Guillaume Tell’, ‘Il barbiere di Siviglia’ and ‘La gazza ladra’ for starters. And there’s one last recommendation of mine that you just can’t miss– Tchaikovsky’s ‘The swan lake’ and ‘The Nutcracker.’
Wow! I know that this can be a massive information overload but believe me, it is a start to a fantastic musical journey.
