Microsymphony
The Microsymphony is a single-movement composition for orchestra by the American composer Charles Wuorinen. The work was commissioned by the Philadelphia Orchestra and was completed in 1992. The piece was a finalist for the 1994 Pulitzer Prize for Music.
Composition
The Microsymphony has a duration of roughly 11 minutes and is composed in one continuous movement. The seemingly contradictory title refers to the composition's relatively brief length, which is uncommon for a traditional symphony.
Instrumentation
The work is scored for a large orchestra comprising four flutes, three oboes, three clarinets, two bassoons, contrabassoon, four horns, three trumpets in C, two trombones, bass trombone, tuba, timpani, three percussionists, harp, piano, and strings.