Symphony No. 4, Symphonie Concertante
Karol Szymanowski
Work background
Researched classical background
Szymanowski's Fourth places a solo piano within a three-movement symphonic design. It was dedicated to Artur Rubinstein, although the composer himself introduced it as pianist. The piano alternates between solo prominence and participation in the orchestral texture. The finale draws on the accented motion of Polish dance, bringing the work's concertante and symphonic functions together.
A listening guide
Listen for the piano shifting between foreground soloist and part of the orchestral texture.
Listening suggestions are editorial guides to the music.
Forces: Solo piano and orchestra
Composition: 1932
This entry describes the musical work or cycle. Composition, premiere and publication dates describe different events. Performers and recordings can be explored through the external listening search.
Also known as: Symphonie Concertante; Sinfonia Concertante
Polish Music Portal: Szymanowski Fourth Symphony
1932 composition, Op.60 and concertante piano scoring | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Sources for this work
Polish Music Portal: Szymanowski Fourth Symphony
1932 composition, Op.60 and concertante piano scoring | Reviewed 2026-10-19
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