Symphony No. 3

Richard Rodney Bennet’s Symphony No. 3 – commissioned for the 1987 Three Choirs Festival by the Elgar Foundation with additional funds from West Midlands Arts – is now published in a facsimile study score.

In contrast with his first two symphonies, which were rather extrovert, display pieces, Symphony No. 3 is quite thoughtful and lyrical in nature, more or less monothematic and has a strong feeling of tonality, particularly at the opening and closing of the score. The more moderate orchestration (2 Flutes, Oboe, Cor Anglais, 2 Clarinets in B flat, Bassoon, 2 Horns in F, Percussion 1 (small Triangle, Tam-tam, 3 suspendedCymbals), Percussion 2 (side Drum, tubular Bells), Timpani, Piano, Harp and Strings) also reflects this. Performance time of the three movements is ca. 22 minutes.

Sir Richard Rodney Bennett was an English composer of film, TV and concert music, and also a jazz pianist. He was based in New York City from 1979 until his death there in 2012.