Symphony No. 3, Requiem, Op. 22 (1933)

Dmitry Kabalevsky’s Symphony No. 3, Op. 22, was composed in 1933 to mark the tenth anniversary of Lenin’s death. Despite its title, the work is conceived as a cantata for choir and orchestra rather than as a conventional symphony.

The composition is divided into two sections. The first is an extended orchestral introduction lasting approximately seven minutes. The second, considerably longer section combines chorus and orchestra in a large-scale funeral march (Marcia funebre).

Throughout the work, Kabalevsky contrasts passages of lamentation with moments of affirmation. The choral writing plays a central role in the second part, culminating in a message centred on the remembrance of Lenin. The score combines orchestral and vocal forces in a dramatic structure that reflects its commemorative purpose.

The work occupies a distinctive place within Kabalevsky’s symphonic output, standing apart from his other symphonies through its incorporation of chorus and its explicitly memorial character.

1. Allegro. Impetuoso · A tempo, ma tranquillo · Molto meno mosso · Più mosso · Poco più mosso. Irato · Molto agitato · Molto meno mosso, ma agitato · Sostenuto. Marziale · Poco più mosso · A tempo. Sostenuto · Più mosso attacca
2. Andante marciale. Lugubre · Poco più mosso · Sostenuto, ma non troppo · Poco meno mosso · Poco più mosso · Allegro con fuoco · Tempo I · Poco più mosso · Tempo di marcia funebre e trionfale