Symphony No. 4 (Prokofiev)

The Symphony No. 4 in C major by Sergei Prokofiev exists in two quite distinct versions.

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The original version was composed in 1929-30. Written on a commission from the Boston Symphony Orchestra for their 50th anniversary, it was premiered by them in Boston conducted by Serge Koussevitzky on November 14, 1930. This original version was given the opus number 47, but was not published. Prokofiev extensively revised the symphony in 1947 immediately after completing his Symphony No. 6, extending it and expanding the orchestration. This revised version, which is the one usually played today, has the opus number 112.

Related Topics:
Boston Symphony Orchestra - Conducted - Serge Koussevitzky - Opus number - Symphony No. 6 - Orchestration

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The revised version is scored for an orchestra consisting of two flutes, piccolo, two oboes, cor anglais, an E-flat (piccolo) clarinet, two ordinary clarinets, a bass clarinet, two bassoons and double bassoon, three trumpets, four French horns, three trombones, a tuba, timpani, triangle, wood block, tambourine, snare drum, bass drum, cymbals, harp, piano, and strings divided into the usual first and second violins, violas, cellos and double basses. As is usual for symphonies, the piece is in four movements:

Related Topics:
Orchestra - Flute - Piccolo - Oboe - Cor anglais - Clarinet - Bass clarinet - Bassoon - Double bassoon - Trumpet - French horn - Trombone - Tuba - Timpani - Triangle - Wood block - Tambourine - Snare drum - Bass drum - Cymbal - Harp - Piano - Strings - Violin - Viola - Cello - Double bass

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• Andante--Allegro eroico
• Andante tranquillo
• Moderato, quasi allegretto
• Allegro risoluto

Just as the Symphony No. 3 had been based on music from Prokofiev's opera The Fiery Angel, so the fourth re-uses music from his ballet The Prodigal Son.

Related Topics:
Symphony No. 3 - Opera - The Fiery Angel - Ballet - The Prodigal Son

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A typical performance of the original version of the fourth symphony will last around 28 minutes, with the revised version about ten minutes longer.

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