Benjamin Sim - Symphony No. 1, 1st movement (VIDEO REQUEST)
1,869 views · Published 22 August 2017 · 12:34 · Indexed 21 September 2026
Channel: thenameisgsarci · 2017 · Music
This is the first movement from my Symphony No. 1 in C major(2014-2017), which was my first attempt at serious symphonic writing. The work as a whole is very much in a neo-classical style, with many influences from Mozart and Haydn. Some of the themes in this opening movement had their genesis in a classical style piano concerto written years ago when I was younger. As the symphony progresses through movements 2-4(not featured here), the music becomes more progressive with more lush harmonies and syncopation, adding a certain 21st century flavour. This work should really be considered as a "study symphony" rather than any serious attempt at breaking new ground in the genre. The first movement is in a conventional classical sonata form. The whole movement is connected around the motif of descending thirds. In the slow lento introduction, we hear the descending thirds outrightly presented in the minor mode over the tremolo violins and flutes, which gives a subtle hint to the main theme, also based on the same descending third motif. The mellifluous secondary theme is a subtle hint to the "classical roccoco spirit" and particularly to Mozart, the epitome and archetype of the classical era, who was renowned for his smooth melodic invention. The development section plays a pivotal role in the movement and is substantially more weighty than the typical classical era development section. Themes 1 and 2 are constantly jostling with each other for position in a ever more tonally ambiguous harmonic environment. There is a greater significance of employing a more organic approach to thematic development, which is also an allusion to the genius of the early Beethoven who himself was a master of thematic juxtaposition and development. (from the composer's own words) Please take note that the audio AND the sheet music ARE NOT mine. Change the quality to a minimum of 480p if the video is blurry. Original audio and sheet music: you can ask the composer himself by giving him a PM, or better yet, you can also check out his other content on his channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwZjF-uUnF3ADnTcRBbMrKg
