Symphony No. 3 in E-flat major, The First of May
Dmitri Shostakovich
Work background
Researched classical background
Shostakovich's Third Symphony links a continuous orchestral sequence to a choral conclusion celebrating May Day. Changes of pace and character replace a conventional cycle of separate movements. The final vocal section supplies the explicit public and political subject of the work. Its experimental orchestral writing belongs to the same early period as the similarly commemorative Second Symphony.
Inspiration and creative background
The closing text and subtitle explicitly celebrate the First of May.
Boosey & Hawkes / Offenbach Edition: Shostakovich Third Symphony
1929 date, Op.20, E-flat major, May Day text and choral finale | Reviewed 2026-10-19
A listening guide
Listen for the shift from the extended instrumental sequence to the final chorus.
Listening suggestions are editorial guides to the music.
Forces: Mixed chorus and orchestra
Composition: 1929
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: The First of May; May Day
Boosey & Hawkes / Offenbach Edition: Shostakovich Third Symphony
1929 date, Op.20, E-flat major, May Day text and choral finale | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Boosey & Hawkes / Sikorski: Shostakovich chronological work list
Work dates, opuses, keys, voices and revision information | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Sources for this work
Boosey & Hawkes / Offenbach Edition: Shostakovich Third Symphony
1929 date, Op.20, E-flat major, May Day text and choral finale | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Boosey & Hawkes / Sikorski: Shostakovich chronological work list
Work dates, opuses, keys, voices and revision information | Reviewed 2026-10-19
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