Symphony No. 4 (Piston)

Walter Piston's Symphony No. 4 is a notable orchestral work composed in 1950. Commissioned by the Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra, then conducted by Antal Doráti, it received its premiere in that city on March 9, 1951. The symphony is generally recognized as one of Piston's most significant and accessible orchestral compositions.

The work is structured in four movements, adhering to the traditional symphonic form:

1. Allegro : This movement typically exhibits a strong rhythmic drive and showcases Piston's characteristic neo-classical style.

2. Adagio : The slow movement provides a lyrical contrast to the first, often featuring expressive melodies and a more introspective mood.

3. Allegretto : This movement usually functions as a scherzo, lighter in character and frequently utilizing contrapuntal textures.

4. Allegro energico : The finale is a powerful and energetic conclusion to the symphony, often bringing together thematic elements from earlier movements.

Piston's compositional style in the Symphony No. 4 is characterized by its clarity of orchestration, rhythmic vitality, and skillful handling of counterpoint. The work avoids excessive dissonance and generally maintains a tonal framework, although with occasional excursions into more chromatic harmony. It is often praised for its architectural strength and its effective use of the orchestra's resources. The symphony is a staple of the American symphonic repertoire, often performed and recorded by major orchestras.