Symphony No. 3 in A minor (unfinished)
Alexander Borodin
Work background
Researched classical background
Borodin left his Third Symphony unfinished at his death. The two movements normally performed were prepared and orchestrated by Alexander Glazunov from the surviving material and his knowledge of the composer's intentions. They preserve a part of the projected symphony rather than an independently completed four-movement cycle. The editorial contribution is therefore essential to identifying what a performance contains.
A listening guide
Listen to the two surviving movements as a fragment of a larger intended symphonic design.
Listening suggestions are editorial guides to the music.
Forces: Orchestra
Composition: 1886-1887
Borodin worked on the symphony in 1886-87; Glazunov subsequently completed and orchestrated the two performable movements.
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: Symphony No.3, completed and orchestrated by Glazunov
Date, title and version notes
Unfinished work: standard performances include substantial editorial work by Alexander Glazunov.
Alfred Music: Borodin Third Symphony, Glazunov edition
1886-87 unfinished work and Glazunov completion/orchestration of two movements | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Sources for this work
Alfred Music: Borodin Third Symphony, Glazunov edition
1886-87 unfinished work and Glazunov completion/orchestration of two movements | Reviewed 2026-10-19
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