(Allegretto molto)
Goldmark's Ländliche Hochzeit symphony, first performed at a Philharmonic concert in Vienna under Hans Richter in March, 1876, is rather a suite than a symphony. The picturesque significance of the various movements, which bear an obvious relationship to the central idea expressed in the title, may be indicated as follows:
I. WEDDING MARCH
This movement needs no gloss, since its character and significance lie upon the surface of the music.
II. BRIDAL SONG
The song may be imagined as being sung by friends of the bride. It has a second part, with a tender tune for the oboe (as if one of the bridesmaids had stepped forward), accompanied by the theme of the march in the basses.
III. SERENADE
After a prelude, two oboes sing a duet, which is varied and developed by other instruments.
IV. IN THE GARDEN
This is a love-scene. An impassioned duet is suggested, in which the tenor is represented by 'cellos and horns, the soprano by the violins and the higher wood-wind instruments. The movement ends serenely.