Szymanowski - Symphony No. 4 "Symphonie concertante", Op. 60 (1932)

Symphony No. 4 "Symphonie concertante", Op. 60, for piano and orchestra (1932)

I. Moderato [0:00]
II. Andante molto sostenuto - [10:19]
III. Allegro non troppo [18:40]

The fourth and final symphony by Polish composer and pianist Karol Szymanowski (1882-1937), a work where the piano plays a prominent role. The bright first movement is in a loose sonata form. The second features solos for violin and flute with piano accompaniment, followed by a restatement of the main theme from the previous movement. This leads directly into the last movement oberek, a traditional Polish round-dance similar to the rondeau in form. In the middle of the movement, there is an episode for the piano that resembles a mazurka. Overall, the composer described this work as something in between a symphony and a concerto for piano.

Pianist: Tadeusz Żmudziński
Conductor: Karol Stryja
Polish State Philharmonic Orchestra, Katowice