Symphony No 4 opens with a dramatic descent from quietly chattering high violins to a sonorous full orchestral texture, and goes on to make that contrast a feature of the entire first movement, adding the occasional emotional twist of a short sighing violin figure. Strong dynamic contrasts likewise help shape the dark and restless middle movement, but the finale offers a brighter prospect, suddenly jubilant and celebratory in tone.

from notes by Lindsay Kemp © 2015