Fanfares in the winds announce this exuberant symphony. The second movement features a long, lyrical horn solo, while the third movement has a waltz-like character. The last movement starts slow and somber, then erupts into a scherzo-like rondo whose main theme is based on a humorous descending scale, alternating with a satirical waltz, a fugue, and finally more fanfares.

The symphony begins with a slow melancholy motif that pervades the entire work. The first movement continues this dark character, but with rays of sunlight. The pensive second movement uses lyrical melodies in an odd rhythm, brightened by a dance-like middle section. The third movement is all movement and speed. The finale opens with an heroic theme, but it is eventually overtaken by the opening motif, only to return heroically and end in triumph.

The symphony is infused with the lilting feel of dance. The sunny first movement takes to the floor and moves with spirit. The second movement walks a slow melody in thirds, accompanied by plainsong. The third movement has the energy of an Irish jig, with a reflective middle section. The finale starts with a humorous introduction and then is all energy and movement.

This symphony is rich with supple harmonies, ancient modes and whole-tone passages. A drum roll ushers in a stately motif in the brass, answered by the woodwinds, leading to lyrical and expressive melodies. The lively second movement has a folksy vibe. The poignant third movement, with its long melodies and brass choirs, has a retrospective mood. The finale, a rondo, begins with a light-hearted melody, which returns after an impressionistic colorscape and again after a rich chorale in the low brass, ending with a splendid crescendo.

This symphony is based on the String Quintet in G Major. The first movement begins with tutti instruments and double-stops on the low strings. Rich melodies ensue, a 4-part fugue is heard, and the movement ends with a short coda. The second movement, labeled Andantino, is a poignant song (featuring a contrabass solo), with a lyrical, more upbeat contrasting middle section. The third movement is a Scherzo, with both rapid riffs and melodic interludes. The fourth movement's Adagio introduction soon yields to the Allegro moderato section, featuring a lilting pattern of double instruments in thirds. A chorale melody follows, and the movement works through all these themes to bring it to a rousing finale.

An overture for small orchestra in Renaissance style, with characteristic embellishments of themes, switches between duple and triple meter and harmonies reminiscent of Shakespeare's time.

A dramatic overture for large orchestra in Romantic style. The opening chords set the mood and are followed by a quiet lyrical section. The music then develops dramatically, and ends jubilantly.

Symphonic Airs is a lyrical poem for orchestra, in which luscious melodies weave through a constantly changing colorscape. The piece takes full advantage of the timbres of high cellos, low reeds, brass choirs and muted trumpets. Finally, there is a majestic proclamation by the full orchestra, and the music quietly ends as it began.