Symphony No. 2, Sinfonia India
Carlos Chavez
Work background
Researched classical background
Chavez built Sinfonia India around melodies associated with Huichol, Yaqui and Seri communities. The short symphony unfolds continuously, placing contrasted tempos and Indigenous melodic material within a concentrated orchestral design. Percussion is central to its sound, and the score provides alternatives for instruments that may be difficult to obtain. The title refers to Indigenous sources in Mexico.
Inspiration and creative background
Melodies from Huichol, Yaqui and Seri traditions are explicitly identified in Chavez's programme note.
Wise Music Classical: Sinfonia India
Composer note, Indigenous melody sources and scoring | Reviewed 2026-10-19
A listening guide
Hear how the percussion supports the contrasting melodies and changing rhythmic patterns.
Listening suggestions are editorial guides to the music.
Forces: Orchestra with an expanded percussion group
Composition: 1935-1936
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: Sinfonia India
Wise Music Classical: Sinfonia India
Composer note, Indigenous melody sources and scoring | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Mexico City Philharmonic: Chavez Sinfonia India
1935-36 composition and radio context | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Sources for this work
Wise Music Classical: Sinfonia India
Composer note, Indigenous melody sources and scoring | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Mexico City Philharmonic: Chavez Sinfonia India
1935-36 composition and radio context | Reviewed 2026-10-19
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