Symphony No. 3 in E-flat, Op. 97 “Rhenish”

First performed under the baton of the composer himself in February of 1851, Robert Schumann’s (1810-1856) Symphony No. 3, often referred to as “Rhenish,” was the last symphony he composed. The piece draws its inspiration from the trip the Schumanns took to the Rhineland in September of 1850. Robert Schumann was so enamored with the Cologne Cathedral there that he revisited it in November of that year and commemorated the “solemn splendor” of the place in the fourth movement. During the premier performance, members of the audience applauded between each movement. It has maintained a broad appeal ever since. Instrumentation: 2.2.2.2: 4.2.3.0: Timp: Str (9-8-7-6-5 in set).