Music with Ease > Classical Music > Concert Guide: Romantic Era > Symphony No. 2, in C Minor - Bruckner

1. Moderato.

2. Andante, feierlich etwas bewegt.

3. Scherzo.

4. Finale.

The first movement if Bruckner's Second Symphony is in the ordinary sonata form, opening with a tremolo of violins and violas, accompanying the introduction and the first theme which is given out by the cellos, with responses from the horns. The theme is repeated by cellos and double basses to a more vigorous accompaniment, and leads to a climax. At its close the cellos give out the second theme, followed by a motive in the strings in unison which dominates the movement through the first part. Then follows the free fantasie with reentries of the themes, stated in much the same manner as in the beginning of the movement, after which, and a short passage in slow time, an elaborate Coda brings the movement to a close.





The second movement, in A flat major, is constructed upon two themes in rondo form, the first given out by the first violins with accompaniment of the other strings, and the second, or minor one, by the horn with pizzicato string accompaniment. These two themes are developed in a very skilful manner, especially the principal one by the wind instruments in the close, just before the Coda.

The third movement, in C minor, opens with a somewhat dignified and consequential theme for a Scherzo, which is at first stated in unison by the strings, woodwinds, and horns, and afterwards is richly developed and leads up to a most resonant climax. The Trio is in waltz time, the theme being given out by the violas with a violin tremolo, and at its conclusion the opening of the movement is repeated and followed by a Coda.

The fourth movement, in C minor, is built up on three themes which are worked out at great length in succession and with most painstaking elaboration, the movement closing with a tremendous climax. This symphony, like all of Bruckner's, is a masterpiece of musical mechanics and mathematics.