Symphony No. 3, The Camp Meeting
Charles Ives
Work background
Researched classical background
Ives drew this compact symphony from hymn memories and music associated with his work as a church organist. Its three movements evoke a gathering, children's activities and communion at an American camp meeting. A chamber orchestra supplies the different layers of song and recollection. There is no singing chorus: the communal voices are suggested by instrumental lines.
Inspiration and creative background
Ives linked the music to church-organ pieces and recollections of camp-meeting hymn singing.
Wise Music Classical: Ives Third Symphony
1901-04 composition and composer account of church-organ origins | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Los Angeles Philharmonic: Ives The Camp Meeting
Three movements, camp-meeting memories and hymn materials | Reviewed 2026-10-19
A listening guide
Listen for hymn fragments passing through the instrumental texture, especially in the final movement.
Listening suggestions are editorial guides to the music.
Forces: Chamber orchestra
Composition: 1901-1904
Main composition 1901-04; subsequent copying and revision should not be confused with a new work.
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: The Camp Meeting
Wise Music Classical: Ives Third Symphony
1901-04 composition and composer account of church-organ origins | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Los Angeles Philharmonic: Ives The Camp Meeting
Three movements, camp-meeting memories and hymn materials | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Sources for this work
Wise Music Classical: Ives Third Symphony
1901-04 composition and composer account of church-organ origins | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Los Angeles Philharmonic: Ives The Camp Meeting
Three movements, camp-meeting memories and hymn materials | Reviewed 2026-10-19
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