Volume VI: Paul Paray: The Symphonies Paul Paray composed two symphonies, written only five years apart (1935-1939). The Symphony #1 in C was first performed in Paris under the direction of the composer by the orchestra of the Association des Concerts-Colonne, at a time when Paray had only recently succeeded Gabriel Pierné as conductor of that orchestra. The work is divided into four parts; the first and second movements are played without a break.Paray's last work was his Second Symphony in 1939, after which time he devoted himself to conducting orchestras around the world.