Symphony No. 3 in B-flat minor
Alberic Magnard
Work background
Researched classical background
Magnard opens his Third Symphony with widely spaced chords that return later in the work. The four movements include a scherzo titled Danses and a Pastorale introduced by the English horn. Contrapuntal writing gives the faster passages their momentum. In the finale, the opening harmonies return in a more concentrated chorale-like shape, linking the end to the beginning.
A listening guide
Recognize the opening chords when they return in the finale.
Listening suggestions are editorial guides to the music.
Forces: Orchestra
Composition: 1895-1896
Composed 1895-96 and revised in 1902; the source's disputed first-performance chronology is not adopted.
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.
Date, title and version notes
The entry covers the work including its 1902 revision; a recording should identify the edition when available.
Hyperion: Magnard Third Symphony
1895-96 composition, 1902 revision and four-movement musical guide; premiere claim not adopted | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Sources for this work
Hyperion: Magnard Third Symphony
1895-96 composition, 1902 revision and four-movement musical guide; premiere claim not adopted | Reviewed 2026-10-19
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