Symphony No. 4 (Vaughan Williams)

The Symphony No. 4 in F minor by Ralph Vaughan Williams was dedicated by the composer to Arnold Bax.

Related Topics:
Ralph Vaughan Williams - Arnold Bax

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Unlike Vaughan Williams' first three symphonies it was not given a title, the composer stating that it was to be understood as pure music, without any incidental or external inspiration. In contrast to Vaughan Williams' previous compositions, the symphony is characterised by a severity of tone. The British composer William Walton admired the work greatly, speaking of it as "the greatest symphony since Beethoven", and the score certainly contains many innovations.

Related Topics:
William Walton - Beethoven - Score

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The work was first performed by the BBC Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Adrian Boult, in April 1935.

Related Topics:
BBC Symphony Orchestra - Adrian Boult

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The work is in four movements (the third and fourth are linked).

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• Allegro
• Andante moderato
• Scherzo : allegro molto
• Finale con epilogo fugato : allegro molto

A typical performance takes about 30 minutes.

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