All symphonies have four movements, typically with a large, leisurely first movement, a ponderous Adagio, an energetic scherzo, and a large-scale finale. He continues developing in the recapitulation and the first movement concludes with a substantial coda. Slow movements are placed second except in numbers 8 and 9 and are almost all hymn-like and sublime adagios modeled on Beethoven's 9th. Scherzos are usually in three sections, strongly rhythmic, with quieter and slower trios.
Finales often have the three-subject sonata form.
In several of his works he brings back opening theme for climax at end.