Four Symphonies

Abstract

Symphony No. 1 in C major Allegro – Andante - Presto

The First Symphony opens which makes good use of dynamic contrast as well as tonal confrontations between major and minor. The central andante is as wryly wisful as the final presto is infectiously gay.

Symphony No. 2 in F major. Presto – Andantino – Moderato allegro

In character the first movement of the Second Symphony leans towards the Baroque tradition, but the andantino would be equally at home as one of Arne’s ravishing operatic arias.

Symphony No. 3 In E flat major Andante e più – Larghetto – Tempo di menuetto

The outer movements of the Third Symphony are the only times. Arne employs the timpani, but the personality of the work is always stronger and more elegant than the first two. Perhaps Arne’s study of J.C. Bach’s works have borne fruit in the elegant woodwind scoring, the charm of the music reaching new beauties in the central larghetto, the finale again harking to the grace of the minuet.

Symphony No. 4 in C minor. Moderato – Larghetto – Vivace

Arne’s confidence in symphonic writing here reaches a peak in a work which is conceived on the largest scale of the set, the first movement indulging in instrumental complexities, driven on by a strong pulse, making good use of sforzando dramatic punctuation and taking full advantage of the inner passion inherent in a minor key. It is followed by a deeply emotional and extended larghetto, itself leading to the lively, yet equally elegant final vivace.