Symphony No. 1 (Lutosławski) Explained

Polish composer Witold Lutosławski wrote his Symphony No. 1 in 1941–47, completing it in 1947.[1]

Structure

The symphony, lasting 25 minutes, is in four movements. The first, Allegro giusto, is a sonata allegro. The second is marked Poco adagio, while the third (Allegretto misterioso) is a scherzo whose opening theme is based on a twelve-note tone-row. The final movement is marked Allegro vivace.[2]

Instrumentation

Woodwinds
  • 2 piccolos
  • flute
  • 2 oboes
  • English horn
  • 3 clarinets, 2nd doubling on piccolo clarinet in E
  • 2 bassoons
  • contrabassoon
    Brass
  • 4 horns in F
  • 3 trumpets in C
  • 3 trombones
  • tuba
    Percussion
  • timpani
  • drum
  • cymbals
  • xylophone
    Keyboards
  • piano
    Strings
  • harp
  • violins I and II
  • violas
  • cellos
  • double basses

    Analysis

    "Witold Lutosławski: Symphony No. 1"

    Orchestration

    World Premiere

    The Grand Symphony Orchestra of the Polish Radio (WOSPR) performed its world premiere (conducted by Grzegorz Fitelberg, to whom it was dedicated) in Katowice on April 1, 1948.[1]

    Notes and References

    1. Web site: Witold Lutosławski, "Symphony No. 1". https://archive.today/20130416110146/http://www.culture.pl/web/english/resources-music-full-page/-/eo_event_asset_publisher/eAN5/content/witold-lutoslawski-symphony-no-1 . dead . 2013-04-16 . Culture.pl . Culture.pl . 2010-06-03.
    2. Web site: 8.554283 – LUTOSLAWSKI: Symphony No. 1 / Chantefleurs et Chantefables. 2012-01-13.

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