From the Philharmonic Hall
S.B. from Liverpool
The Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra
Conducted by Pierre Monteux

The name of the Suite, 'Eine Kleine Nachtmusik' is very nearly a literal translation into German of tho French 'Serenade.' The latter meant originally a piece of evening music, while this is ' A Little Night Music.'
Composed, so far as we know, for some specially happy occasion, shortly after the tremendous success which Figaro achieved in Prague, the Suite, like a string quartet, is in the usual four movements. The first, a brisk Allegro, is in the traditional form, with two main themes which form the basis of a development section and which are repeated in the last part of the movement. Next comes a slow movement, very much in the usual song-like mould. The principal tune begins at the outset with the same note repeated three times.
The third movement is a quite simple Minuet and the Suite comes to an end with a cheerful Rondo. The principal tune has a real suggestion of mischief in it. mHE Symphony No. 4 in D Minor belongs to the happiest time of Schumann's career.
It has a special interest in its form.
Schumann intended it as the logical conclusion of the tendency to weld the series of subjects in a Symphony into one whole, and the four movements follow one another without a break. The themes of the introduction form the basis of the Romance, and the busy impetuous figure heard so much in the first movement plays an equally important part in the last. His first idea was to call it a Symphonic Fantasia, and though it is a real Symphony, the name may help to a better understanding of its composer's intention. Tho introduction, already referred to, is almost heavy-hearted in character; the real first movement has the usual two main tunes, both happy and instinct with fresh good spirits. The Romance which follows as slow movement, is a beautiful violin solo, and the third movement is in the conventional Scherzo and Trio form. The last movement begins with an almost bashful suggestion of the bustling theme from the first movement, and only after a little hesitation does the movement proceed on its way.