[P-Marlowe]

The first movement begins with a slow introduction (he does this in only two other symphonies, No. 36 ("Linz") and No. 39). Daniel E. Freeman has noted that it is probably the longest and most sophisticated slow introduction written for any major symphony up to that time, perhaps to compensate for the length of the missing minuet in order to help bring the entire work into closer alignment with the customary length of a standard four-movement symphony. The introduction gives way to the main portion of the movement, in which six melodies are developed and recapitulated in a very contrapuntal example of sonata-allegro form. Certain phrases in the first movement bear a resemblance to the overture to Die Zauberflote. The allegro proper opens in a complicated manner with the "first theme" traded off between the second violins (who start it) and the first violins (who finish it off). Musical material found throughout the first minor section of the first movement is similar to that of the overture to Mozart's Don Giovanni. Furthermore, the orchestral effects during this section are similar: winds and timpani announcing the chord with strings playing an even rhythmed harmony with the chord.

[demshateGod]

Walmart had a bunch of 2.00 cds and this symphony was on one of them. I was in college and started thinking I had better start listening to classical music. Anyway, this was the first full symphony I ever listening to of his. Probably still my favorite symphony.

[Army Air Corps]

Thanks for sharing a piece from one of my favourite composers.

[nwrep]

Absolutely delightful symphony.

[onedoug]

The more fulfilling to see it on the page.