Coming four years after the dramatic "war symphony, " that was this prolific symphonist's 24th symphony, this work provides a striking contrast. It is light and refreshing. Although it also is energetic in tone, it is also a work which presents an aspect of peace. Premiered in March of 1947, it fits into the period after which the Soviet people had defeated the fascist menace but before the state's composers again felt Stalin's lash. It is in three movements, each given a progressively faster main tempo marking: successively, they are Adagio, Moderato, and Allegro impetuoso. The timing of the symphony is a bit under 35 minutes.

The slow tempo of the opening movement, while a break with the ordinary symphonic tradition, is not unprecedented; both Mahler and Shostakovich preceded Myaskovsky in using opening adagio tempos. In contrast to their examples, Myaskovsky's opening adagio is neither tragic nor threatening in mood. It is based on three main themes of generally calm character but with contrasting emotional moods. The third theme is one of the most lyrical in all of Myaskovsky's symphonic output. The central section of the movement is a theme and variations based on an earlier piano piece. The third part of the movement presents varied statements of the opening three themes, given in reverse order. The coda sums up the variation section.

The middle movement is a brief intermezzo in waltz time but, unusually for dance movements, is a show-piece of the composer's contrapuntal mastery.

The finale is an energetic piece. The opening section is based on a new theme, but the lyrical theme of the first movement is recalled to action over it. The second theme group similarly calls in the second theme of the opening movement. This optimistic music gathers its strength to conclude the symphony in the mood of a hymn to peace and mankind.

© Joseph Stevenson, Rovi