Symphony No. 4

About Symphony No. 4

Symphony No. 4 is an orchestral composition by Austro-Hungarian cellist and composer Franz Schmidt. It was completed in 1933, and received its premiere in 1934 under the direction of Oswald Kabasta at the Wiener Musikverein concert hall in Vienna. The work was composed following the unexpected death in childbirth of Schmidt's daughter, Emma, and conceptualized by the composer as a requiem in her honor. Symphony No. 4 is often considered the finest work in Schmidt's oeuvre.

Overview

Austro-Hungarian cellist and composer Franz Schmidt's Symphony No. 4 was completed in 1933, and received its premiere in 1934 under the direction of Oswald Kabasta at the Wiener Musikverein concert hall in Vienna. The work was composed following the unexpected death in childbirth of Schmidt's daughter, Emma, and conceptualized by the composer as a requiem in her honor. Symphony No. 4 is often considered the finest work in Schmidt's oeuvre. Movements and analysis Symphony No. 4 is in the key of C Major and includes four movements, all performed attacca (without pause). Average performance duration ranges from 41 to 49 minutes. I. Allegro molto moderato — II. Adagio —

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