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Symphony No. 2
("Christmas")
by Krzysztof Penderecki
The composer in 2008
Composed1979 (1979)–80
Performed1 May 1980 (1980-05-01), New York
Duration30 min.
Movements1
Scoringorchestra

Polish composer Krzysztof Penderecki wrote his Symphony No. 2 during the winter of 1979–80. Sometimes referred to as the "Christmas Symphony" (the opening phrase from the Christmas carol "Silent Night" occurs three times during the symphony), neither the score nor the parts (Schott Music, Mainz 45 791) make any reference to this moniker.

Structure

The symphony, lasting 30–35 minutes, is in one movement employing a modified sonata form. Sections are marked: Moderato, Allegretto, Lento, Tempo I and Allegretto.

Instrumentation

Piccolo, flutes (2), oboes (2), cor anglais, clarinets (3 in E flat, with bass clarinets), bassoons (2), contrabassoon, horns (5), trumpets (3), trombones (3), tubas (1), percussion (4 performers: triangle, gong, beck., tamtam, mil. tr., gr. tr., tubular bells, glockenspiel, xylophone), celesta, strings.[1]

Premiere

The New York Philharmonic, conducted by Zubin Mehta, gave the first performance of the symphony on 1 May 1980.[2]

Recordings

Orchestra Conductor Record company Year of Recording Format
National Polish Radio Symphony Orchestra of Katowice (Polskie Radio. Wielka Orkiestra Symfoniczna w Katowicach)[3] Jacek Kasprzyk Muza 1981 LP
Norddeutscher Rundfunk. Sinfonie-Orchester Krzysztof Penderecki Wergo 1994[4] CD
National Polish Radio Symphony Orchestra (Katowice) Antoni Wit Naxos Records 2000[5] CD

References

  1. ^ "Schott Music Shop: Penderecki 2. Symphony". Retrieved 2014-06-26.
  2. ^ Robinson, Ray. "Krzystof Penderecki: A Guide to His Works". Prestige Publications: Princeton, 1983, p.20.
  3. ^ OCLC 81575760
  4. ^ "Penderecki Partial Discography at Polmic.pl" (in Polish). Retrieved 2009-01-26. Information elsewhere shows(?) that this was released in 1994 but recorded in 1989, so in any case postdates the Muza recording.
  5. ^ OCLC 45109918
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