Symphony No. 2 in B minor
Alexander Borodin
Work background
Researched classical background
Borodin's Second Symphony opens with a compact, heavily accented theme that frames the first movement. Its contrasting passages favor broad melody, while the scherzo introduces a very different rhythmic energy. A prominent horn line shapes the slow movement before the finale restores vigorous dance-like motion. The work developed over several years alongside Borodin's operatic writing, sharing some of that music's epic scale.
A listening guide
Compare the first movement's strong unison statements with the slow movement's more sustained horn melody.
Listening suggestions are editorial guides to the music.
Forces: Orchestra
Composition: 1869-1876
Composition overlapped with work on Prince Igor and other projects.
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.
Symphony No. 2 - LA Phil
Work identity, chronology where stated, and the specific musical or historical context summarized in this entry. | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Sources for this work
Symphony No. 2 - LA Phil
Work identity, chronology where stated, and the specific musical or historical context summarized in this entry. | Reviewed 2026-10-19
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