Celtic Symphony
Granville Bantock
Work background
Researched classical background
Bantock's Celtic Symphony is written for divided strings with six harps available as an optional additional colour. Its continuous form incorporates a Hebridean melody associated with longing for the sea. The many string subdivisions permit chamber-like exchanges as well as dense sonorities. The result belongs to Bantock's sustained interest in Celtic subjects and musical material.
Inspiration and creative background
Hebridean song material and Celtic subject matter inform the work.
Hyperion: Bantock Celtic Symphony
1940 work, divided strings, harps and Hebridean melody | Reviewed 2026-10-19
A listening guide
Listen for exchanges between divided string groups and the sea-longing melody.
Listening suggestions are editorial guides to the music.
Forces: String orchestra divided into multiple parts; six harps ad libitum
Composition: 1940
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: Celtic Symphony for Strings and Six Harps
Date, title and version notes
Harps are optional; performances may use different permitted forces.
Hyperion: Bantock Celtic Symphony
1940 work, divided strings, harps and Hebridean melody | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Sources for this work
Hyperion: Bantock Celtic Symphony
1940 work, divided strings, harps and Hebridean melody | Reviewed 2026-10-19
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