Symphony No. 1
John Corigliano
Work background
Researched classical background
Corigliano wrote his First Symphony as a memorial to friends lost to AIDS. Its movements draw on memories of a pianist friend, a tarantella and a chaconne associated with his friend Giulio, before an epilogue recalls earlier material. Personal remembrance is therefore embedded in the work's thematic construction rather than supplied only by an external dedication.
Inspiration and creative background
Corigliano's programme explicitly memorializes friends who died of AIDS.
John Corigliano official site: First Symphony
Composer programme memorializing friends lost to AIDS; catalogue label 1988 | Reviewed 2026-10-19
A listening guide
Listen for the epilogue's recollections of music heard in earlier movements.
Listening suggestions are editorial guides to the music.
Forces: Large orchestra with expanded percussion and keyboards
Composition: 1988-1989
Official work heading uses 1988; CSO dates composition from June 1988 to summer 1989, with premiere in 1990.
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
Single-year 1988 labels refer to the work's start/catalogue heading, not necessarily final completion.
John Corigliano official site: First Symphony
Composer programme memorializing friends lost to AIDS; catalogue label 1988 | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Chicago Symphony Orchestra: Corigliano First Symphony
Composition June 1988-summer 1989 and 1990 premiere | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Sources for this work
John Corigliano official site: First Symphony
Composer programme memorializing friends lost to AIDS; catalogue label 1988 | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Chicago Symphony Orchestra: Corigliano First Symphony
Composition June 1988-summer 1989 and 1990 premiere | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Browse by year
1960-2025. Each year contains 150 selections.