4th Symphony (Vaughan Williams)

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The 4th Symphony in F minor by Ralph Vaughan Williams is dedicated to the composer Arnold Bax . It was composed from 1931 to 1934. In contrast to his first three symphonies, this fourth has no name. The composer wanted it to be understood as “pure music” without any associated fantasies. Compared to his earlier works, this symphony is characterized by a strict tonal language.

The British composer William Walton admired the work very much and spoke of the “greatest symphony since Beethoven ” and the score does indeed contain a wealth of innovations. Vaughan Williams said of his own work: "I'm not sure if I love her, but she turned out as she was meant to be."

The work was premiered on April 10, 1935 by the BBC Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Adrian Boult .

The work has four movements, with the third moving into the fourth without a break.

  • Allegro
  • Andante moderato
  • Scherzo: allegro molto
  • Finale con epilogo fugato: allegro molto

A typical performance lasts about 30 minutes.