There are two versions of Rimsky-Korsakov's Symphony No. 3, the first written in the period 1866 - 1873 and the second in 1886. The latter is a thorough revision of the early rendition, which disappointed the composer because of its unnatural focus of counterpoint, an element of composition not necessarily native to this creator of colorful, often exotic orchestral works and many operas. It is this revised version of the piece that is generally chosen for performance today. It is cast in four movements, the first a large Moderato assai followed by a short Scherzo, an Andante of moderate length, and a brief, brilliant Allegro con spirito finale. The opening panel begins with a slow, atmospheric introduction that grows restless and leads to the lively, epic main theme. A lovely contrasting second melody of Romantic character appears, but the mood eventually turns toward the epic again, both in its stormy development and in the imaginative reprise. Tchaikovsky comes to mind in places in this movement and also in the ensuing Scherzo. Marked Vivo, it is full of energy and rhythmic drive in the outer sections and lovely and passionate in the trio. The Andante offers a beautiful main theme, whose generally mellow orchestration and fluid manner turn animated in a middle section variant, but then return to the serene character of the opening. The finale is joyous and effervescent in its multicolored orchestration and lively themes. Its rhythmic drive is almost unrelenting, and the work ends in a blaze of triumphant glory. This attractive symphony typically has a duration of 35 to 40 minutes.

© All Music Guide