Symphony No. 4 (Simpson)

The Symphony No. 4 by Robert Simpson is a significant work in the composer's symphonic output. Composed between 1970 and 1972, it is a single-movement work, characteristic of Simpson's mature style. The symphony is known for its complex contrapuntal textures, its exploration of tonality, and its overall architectural design, often described as organically evolving rather than following traditional formal structures.

The piece is structured around a series of distinct sections that are interlinked thematically and motivically. Simpson's use of brass, particularly the horns, is prominent, often contributing to a sense of grandeur and dramatic intensity. The work is notable for its intellectually rigorous approach to composition, reflecting Simpson's deep engagement with music theory and his unique approach to symphonic form. While not as widely performed as some of his other symphonies, the Fourth is considered a key work within Simpson's oeuvre and an important contribution to the 20th-century British symphonic tradition. Its dedicatee is Hans Keller.