Symphony No.3 in C minor, Op. 43 "Le Divin Poème (The Divine Poem)"

The four sections of the symphony proceed without pause. In the Introduction (tempo marking: Lento), the main theme appears in the basses answered by the trumpets and taken up in the first violins and woodwinds. The first movement begins with this theme in the violins and is taken up in the basses and gradually works up to a climax. As it dies away a hymn-like theme appears in the muted strings. The second melody follows in the woodwinds with violins and bass accompaniment, this in turn followed by a theme reminiscent of the "Dresden Amen" in a long tremolo, the trumpets giving out their original theme, to full accompaniment. After recapitulation the main theme appears in the horns, the violins in agitated accompaniment. The close of the section is vehement, gradually dying away and leading to the second movement without halt.