Symphony No. 1 (Schumann)

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Symphony No. 1 in B flat major, op. 38 ("Spring") was the first symphonic work composed by Robert Schumann. Although Schumann made some "symphonic attempts" in the fall of 1840, soon after he married his beloved Clara Wieck, he did not compose the symphony until early 1841. Schumann sketched the symphony in four days from January 23 to January 26 and completed the orchestration within a month by February 20. The premiere took place under the baton of Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy on March 31, 1841 in Leipzig. The symphony was warmly received. Until Schumann composed this symphony, he was largely known for his works for the piano and for voice. Clara encouraged him to write symphonic music. The title of "Spring Symphony" was bestowed upon it, according to Clara's diary, because of the Spring poems of Adolph Boettger. However, Schumann himself said he was merely inspired by his Liebesfruehling (spring of love).

The symphony has four movements. They are marked:

  • I. Andante un poco maestoso – Allegro molto vivace
  • II. Larghetto
  • III. Scherzo: Molto vivace – Trio I: Molto piu vivace – Trio II
  • IV. Allegro animato e grazioso

The orchestration is for 2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons, 4 horns, 2 trumpets, 3 trombones, drums, triangle and strings. Schumann made some revisions until the definitive full-score of the symphony was published in 1853. The playing time of the symphony is about 29-32 minutes, depending upon the conductor.

[edit] Selected discography

  • Robert Schumann: Symphonies 1-4 & "Manfred" Overture. The Cleveland Orchestra conducted by George Szell (Sony Classical Masterworks Catalog No. 62349), released 10/01/1996
  • Robert Schumann: Symphonies 1-4. The Vienna Philhamonic Orchestra conducted by Leonard Bernstein (Deutsche Gramophon Double Catalog No. 453049), released 02/11/1997
  • Robert Schumann: Symphonies 1-4 & Overture, Scherzo and Finale. The Dresden Staatskapelle conducted by Wolfgang Sawallisch (EMI Great Recordings of the Century Catalog No. 67771), released 04/09/2002
  • Robert Schumann: Complete Symphonies (including both versions of Symphony No. 4 and the early Symphony in G minor), Overture, Scherzo & Finale and Konzertstück in F. Orchestre revolutionnaire et romantique, conducted by Sir John Eliot Gardiner. (Archiv, Catalogue No. 457591), released 12/5/1998
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