Symphony No. 4 in C-sharp minor

Work background

Researched classical background

Magnard's final symphony is a four-movement work completed shortly before the First World War. A substantial opening gives way to a scherzo-like Vif and a slower movement before the finale gathers the argument. Its orchestral writing combines chorale-like statements with contrapuntal motion, while thematic connections give the long structure continuity beyond the divisions between movements.