Symphony No. 3, Symphonie Liturgique
Arthur Honegger
Work background
Researched classical background
Honegger's Third Symphony uses Latin liturgical headings for three entirely instrumental movements: Dies irae, De profundis clamavi and Dona nobis pacem. Written at the end of the Second World War, it confronts violence and the search for peace through orchestral music. The ending changes the character of the preceding conflict with quieter textures and birdlike figures.
Inspiration and creative background
Honegger connected the work with resistance to destructive forces and the human desire for peace.
Association Arthur Honegger: Symphony No.3
Composition, movement titles and composer programme | Reviewed 2026-10-19
A listening guide
Compare the first movement's attack with the final movement's quieter closing music.
Listening suggestions are editorial guides to the music.
Forces: Orchestra
Composition: 1945-1946
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: Liturgical Symphony
Association Arthur Honegger: Symphony No.3
Composition, movement titles and composer programme | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Association Arthur Honegger: orchestral music
Work catalogue chronology and forces | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Sources for this work
Association Arthur Honegger: Symphony No.3
Composition, movement titles and composer programme | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Association Arthur Honegger: orchestral music
Work catalogue chronology and forces | Reviewed 2026-10-19
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