Symphony No. 4 in E‑Flat Major

Glazunov’s eight symphonies chart a direct course from gifted prodigy to mature master. While the first two evoke the Russian nationalism of Balakirev and Borodin, the Third embraces the European mainstream of Tchaikovsky, with the Fourth (1893) combining these influences. His only symphony in three rather than four movements, its opening movement features an “Andante” introduction whose soulful melody informs the entire work—not least the genial and balletic “Allegro moderato” that follows. The “hunting” overtones of the central "Scherzo"’s vivacious theme find contrast with the waltz-like elegance of its trio. By contrast, the finale opens with a pensive “Andante” that ingeniously fulfills the role of slow movement before the main “Allegro” affords the most extrovert expression—the work’s opening melody returning prior to a joyful ending. Dedicated to pianist and composer Anton Rubinstein and premiered in St Petersburg on January 22, 1894, with Rimsky-Korsakov conducting, it secured Glazunov’s wider reputation.