Symphony No. 2 (Penderecki)
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| Symphony No. 2 | |
|---|---|
| ("Christmas") | |
| by Krzysztof Penderecki | |
 The composer in 2008 | |
| Composed | 1979–80 |
| Performed | 1 May 1980, New York |
| Duration | 30 min. |
| Movements | 1 |
| Scoring | orchestra |
Polish composer Krzysztof Penderecki wrote his Symphony No. 2 during the winter of 1979–80. Sometimes referred to as the "Christmas Symphony" (the opening phrase from the Christmas carol "Silent Night" occurs three times during the symphony), neither the score nor the parts (Schott Music, Mainz 45 791) make any reference to this moniker.
The symphony, lasting 30–35 minutes, is in one movement employing a modified sonata form. Sections are marked: Moderato, Allegretto, Lento, Tempo I and Allegretto.
Instrumentation
Piccolo, 2 flutes, 2 oboes, cor anglais, 3 clarinets (3rd doubling Eb clarinet and bass clarinet), 2 bassoons, contrabassoon, 5 horns, 3 trumpets, 3 trombones, tuba, timpani, percussion (4 performers: triangle, gong, cymbals, tamtam, snare drum, bass drum, tubular bells, glockenspiel, xylophone), celesta, strings[1]
