Listening Guide

Background

Borodin’s best-known symphony is often nicknamed “Heroic.” Its bold, rugged themes conjure the warriors of old Russian legend.

Picture the heroes of an old Russian legend. The symphony opens with a stern, stamping theme in the strings, like warriors gathering. Later comes a quick, dashing scherzo, a slow movement that sounds like a storyteller singing, and a festive finale.

What to Listen For

1. The stamping opening

   The strings play the heavy main theme together in unison, and the winds answer.

2. The racing scherzo

   A very fast movement with brass hammering repeated notes, broken up by a gentler middle section.

3. The bard’s song

   In the slow third movement a solo horn sings a long melody, like a storyteller starting an old tale.

4. The heroes’ feast

   The finale bursts in with a bright, festive dance full of energy and color.

Instruments to notice

• Strings in unison
• Horn
• Harp
• Clarinet
• Brass