In this version for two pianos the work was played to various musicians, including Lyadov (who later that year conducted the premiere of the symphony, minus the last movement.)
Fifteen years later the critic Arthur Eaglefield Hull wrote that the First Symphony was "a masterly work of great beauty".
[1] The symphony is scored for mezzo-soprano, tenor, mixed chorus (SATB), and an orchestra consisting of 3 flutes (3rd also piccolo), 2 oboes, 3 clarinets, 2 bassoons, 4 horns, 3 trumpets, 3 trombones, tuba, timpani, bells, harp, and strings.
The mezzo-soprano begins the movement with "O highest symbol of divinity, supreme art and harmony, we bring praise as tribute before you", and the piece concludes with mezzo-soprano, tenor and—finally—the chorus singing "Ruling omnipotently over the earth, you lift man up to do glorious deeds.
You are life’s bright hope, You are celebration, you are respite, Like a gift you bring to the people Your enchanted visions.
In that gloomy and cold hour, When the soul is full of tumult, Man finds in you The spry joy of consolation.
Strength, fallen in battle, you Miraculously call to life, In the exhausted and afflicted mind You breed thoughts of a new order.