This work, like the earlier Third and later Sixth Symphonies, is in four movements:
Piacevole ( = 84)
Ballando ( = 132)
Contemplativo ( = 92)
Energico (. = 120)
A typical performance will last around 25 minutes.
The first movement begins with a flowing, two-octave melody in the violins, countered by a chromatic theme in the clarinet. The second movement is a "dancing" movement in rondo form, featuring irregular meters (3/4, 7/8, 5/8, 2/4, etc.), alternating with a 6/8 waltz and a vigorous theme "reminiscent of country fiddling". The contemplativo grows from an almost completely atonal opening theme into an explosive climax. The finale is in sonata form, with the first theme strongly rhythmic, and the second (in the oboe) more cantabile. The development section is short, and leads through a return of the second theme in the violins to an exuberant ending built on the first theme.[2]
References
^Steven Lowe, Liner notes to Walter Piston: Symphony No. 4, Capriccio for Harp and String Orchestra, Three New England Sketches. Seattle Symphony Orchestra; Gerard Schwarz, conductor. Naxos CD 8.559162. [Hong Kong]: Naxos, 2002.
^Steven C. Smith, liner notes to Walter Piston: Symphony No. 4, Capriccio for Harp and String Orchestra, Serenata for Orchestra, Three New England Sketches, Seattle Symphony Orchestra and the New York Chamber Symphony, Therese Elder Wunrow (harp), Gerard Schwarz, conductor. Digital Master Series. CD recording, Delos CE3106. Hollywood: Delos International, Inc., 1992.
Further reading
Austin, William. 1955. "Piston's Fourth Symphony: An Analysis". Music Review 16:120–37.
Ferguson, Donald Nivison. 1954. "Piston". In his Masterworks of the Orchestral Repertoire: A Guide for Listeners, 418–21. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press.