Symphony No. 3 (Schumann)
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Symphony No. 3 in E-flat major "Rhenish", opus 97 was written by Robert Schumann in late 1850. It was premiered on February 6, 1851 in Düsseldorf under the direction of the composer. The symphony soon became known as the "Rhenish" although the nickname wasn't Schumann's. In this symphony, perhaps Schumann's brightest and most optimistic symphonic work, Schumann strove to write a work that would have a broad public appeal. He wrote to his biographer, Wilhelm von Wasielewski, that he wanted "popular elements" to dominate this work. Indeed, the symphony's tunefulness and folk-like character helped it to win a warm public and critical reception and the "Rhenish" soon became one of Schumann's greatest successes.
[edit] Music
Unusually for its time, the symphony is constructed in five movements. However, Schumann was quick to assure his publisher that the symphony would not be bulky and heavy as a result of the extra movement. In fact, the relative brevity of the third and fourth movements serve to create the illusion of one larger slow movement. The movements for the symphony are as follows:
- I. Lebhaft
- II. Scherzo: Sehr mäßig
- III. Nicht schnell
- IV. Feierlich (quasi attacca)
- V. Lebhaft
The symphony opens with a powerful statement in E flat major, a syncopated, fanfare-like theme that is seventeen bars long. The second movement has a more rustic character with its ländler and minuet-like themes. The lyrical third movement serves as an intermezzo between the scherzo and the fourth movement. The fourth movement was said to be inspired by newspaper reports that Schumann read dealing with the elevation of Cologne's Archbishop Geissel to the rank of cardinal. The original title of this movement was In the Character of the Accompaniment to a Solemn Ceremony. The fifth and final movement brings us back to the buoyant mood of the first movement and closes out in radiant splendor.
