Symphony No. 3 in E Flat Major, op. 20 (Pervomaiskaya) - Dmitry Shostakovich's symphony with a subtitle. It was first performed by the Leningrad Philharmonic Orchestra and the Academy of Choral Chapel under the direction of Alexander Gauk on January 21, 1930 . The symphony uses verses by S. Kirsanov .
Structural
By analogy with the Second , an experimental choral symphony, consisting of four parts:
- Allegretto - Allegro;
- Andante;
- Largo
- Moderato.
The symphony lasts from about 25 to 35 minutes.
Overview
Shostakovich, in connection with the political situation in the country, stated that the symphony expresses the spirit of peaceful restoration, however, most of the work is in dark colors. In 1932, Leopold Stokowski presented the symphony in the United States , excluding the choir. Subsequent speeches met many times with misunderstanding and rejection. Western critics perceived the symphony as a typical propaganda work, there were also criticisms coming from Russian musicians, including Sergei Prokofiev .