(Section B)
Leader, Paul Beard
Conductor, Sir Adrian Boult
Schumann began work on his first Symphony in December, 1840. By the end of January it was completed. In a letter to Spohr, Schumann says: I have composed a symphony in the fulfillment of the longing that influences men until they grow aged - an emotion that surprises him every year. I do not wish to portray, to paint, but I believe firmly that the period at which the symphony was created influenced its form and character, and shaped it as it is.' "At one time Schumann thought of giving each of the four movements a title, as follows: 'Coming of Spring', 'Evening', 'Merry Playmates', 'Full Spring.'