Symphony No. 3, Song of the Night
Karol Szymanowski
Work background
Researched classical background
Szymanowski's Third Symphony sets poetry by Rumi in a Polish translation by Tadeusz Micinski. Tenor, chorus and a large orchestra create a continuous vocal and instrumental design rather than a conventional succession of independent symphonic movements. The nocturnal, mystical subject comes directly from the text, while the changing balance of voices and instruments shapes its musical unfolding.
Inspiration and creative background
Rumi's poem, mediated through Tadeusz Micinski's Polish translation, supplies the nocturnal and mystical subject.
USC Polish Music Center: Karol Szymanowski
1914-16 Third Symphony, Rumi text via Micinski and tenor/chorus/orchestra | Reviewed 2026-10-19
A listening guide
Listen for the tenor and chorus emerging from the surrounding orchestral texture.
Listening suggestions are editorial guides to the music.
Forces: Tenor solo, mixed chorus and large orchestra
Composition: 1914-1916
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: Song of the Night; Piesn o nocy
USC Polish Music Center: Karol Szymanowski
1914-16 Third Symphony, Rumi text via Micinski and tenor/chorus/orchestra | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Naxos: Szymanowski Symphonies 1 and 3
Song of the Night, Op.27 and vocal symphonic design | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Sources for this work
USC Polish Music Center: Karol Szymanowski
1914-16 Third Symphony, Rumi text via Micinski and tenor/chorus/orchestra | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Naxos: Szymanowski Symphonies 1 and 3
Song of the Night, Op.27 and vocal symphonic design | Reviewed 2026-10-19
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