Symphony No. 3
Witold Lutoslawski
Work background
Researched classical background
Lutoslawski's Third Symphony was commissioned by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. A repeated-note signal punctuates a large continuous design, moving through preparatory episodes toward a more concentrated principal section. Some passages coordinate instrumental pitches without requiring every player to share the same rhythm, producing shifting textures within a carefully determined overall form.
A listening guide
Follow the repeated-note signal and the change from exploratory episodes to the main argument.
Listening suggestions are editorial guides to the music.
Forces: Large orchestra including two harps, piano, celesta and percussion
Composition: 1983
Completed in 1983 after a prolonged gestation following the 1972 commission; the exact start of composition is not reduced to one year.
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.
Wise Music Classical: Lutoslawski Symphony No.3
Composer programme, commission, form and chronology | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Sources for this work
Wise Music Classical: Lutoslawski Symphony No.3
Composer programme, commission, form and chronology | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Browse by year
1960-2025. Each year contains 150 selections.