Title
Short Symphony
Subtitle
Symphony No. 2
For
orchestra
Year Composed
1932–33
Scoring
2(I=afl).picc.2.corA(=heckelphone ad lib).2.bcl.2.dbn-4.2.0.0-pft- strings
ARCO Number(s)
24
Category
Orchestral
Duration
15'
Premiere
  • World: Mexico City, November 23rd, 1934 (Orquesta Sinfónica de México, cond. Carlos Chávez)
Dedication
To Carlos Chavez
Publisher
Boosey & Hawkes
Publishing Status
Published
Versions
Sextet (1937) (Arrangement)
Arrangements
Short Symphony (for chamber orchestra) (arr. Dennis Russell Davies)

Program Note

In the early 1930s, Copland turned to composing abstract pieces that were considered extremely difficult by performers and conductors. He had left his jazz period behind and was not yet making use of folk materials. "I was determined to write as perfected a piece as I possibly could," Copland wrote to his pianist friend John Kirkpatrick. He succeeded, but it took some time for the symphony to be recognized as one of Copland's greatest achievements. Copland felt particularly proud of the Short Symphony, since it was one of his "neglected children."

Author
Vivian Perlis
Year
1998