The Symphony No. 4 in F major, Op. 86 by Louis Spohr has the title "Die Weihe der Töne," meaning "The Consecration of Sound," and is a programmatic work based on the poem of the same name by Carl Pfeiffer.[1] It was composed in 1832 and published in 1834.[2]
| Symphony No. 4 | |
|---|---|
| by Louis Spohr | |
| Key | F major |
| Opus | 86 |
| Movements | four |
| Scoring | Orchestra |
Movements
editThe symphony is divided into four movements with the following tempo markings:[3]
- Largo - Allegro (F major)
- Andantino - Allegro (B flat major)
- Tempo di marcia - Andante maestoso (D major)
- Larghetto - Allegretto (F major)
An alternative division of the work is sometimes given,[2] more clearly illustrating the work's programmatic nature:
- Largo. Starres Schweigen der Natur vor dem Erschaffen des Tons
- Allegro. Reges Leben nach demselben. Naturlaute. Aufruhr der Elemente
- Andantino. Wiegenlied
- Allegro. Tanz
- Tempo di Marcia. Kriegsmusik. Fortziehen in die Schlacht. Gefuhle der Zuruckbleibenden. Ruckkehr der Sieger
- Andante maestoso. Dankgebet (Ambrosianischer Lobgesang)
- Larghetto. Bergrabnismusik
- Allegretto. Trost in Tränen
Nos. 1 and 2 constitute the first movement, 3 and 4 the second, 5 and 6 the third, and 7 and 8 the fourth.
Recordings
editThe symphony has been recorded by Howard Griffiths and the NDR Radiophilharmonie, as well as Howard Shelley with the Orchestra della Svizzera Italiana. A recording by Alfred Walter and the Budapest Symphony Orchestra on the Naxos label is also available.[2]
