SYMPHONIES PART I – Innovative Traditions
SYMPHONIES PART II – New Worlds
From the Classical era to our own times, composers have created new worlds of symphonic experience. Each of the composers featured here was inspired to explore and expand the potential of the symphony orchestra, expressing the spirit of their times and bequeathing us an invaluable legacy of creativity and even social commentary. The symphony remains as relevant today as when it first took on its modern form, ever new within an ever-growing tradition.
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Classical Symphonies: Mozart, Kraus & BeethovenMozart‘s 41 symphonies reflect his versatility, gift for beautiful melodies, dramatic developments, elegance and charm. Most were composed before Mozart was 18 years old and combine Rococo features, Italianate style and contemporary developments in Vienna and Mannheim. The last ten great symphonies are even more expressive works which both summarise Classical style and point towards the Romantic impulse.Joseph Martin Kraus, often referred to as the ‘Swedish Mozart’, used a similar musical language. After his studies Kraus moved to Sweden and worked at King Gustav’s Court where he was highly appreciated. Discover these long-forgotten musical gems. Beethoven’s immortal nine symphonies have been a benchmark for composers ever since they shocked and thrilled their first audiences. They range from his headstrong yet masterfully classical first symphonies through the beloved masterpieces of his middle period, including the ‘Eroica’ and the ‘Pastoral’, to his ultimate symphony with its Romantic power and beloved choral finale evoking the brotherhood of man. |
The Late Romantics: Bruckner & MahlerBruckner and Mahler are the frequently-paired giants of Romantic symphony writing, yet their music could scarcely be more different. Bruckner created a very personal style expressing immense struggle, tragedy and ultimate triumph across a vast musical time scale. Despite the enormous size of the late Romantic orchestra, Bruckner also revels in the intimacy of chamber music-style instrumental groupings, giving even his grandest symphonies moments of magical clarity. His grandly arching melodies seem to yearn for sublimity.Mahler expands the scope of the symphony even further - he famously argued with Sibelius that a symphony should contain the universe - and he created an unmistakably modern musical language by including sounds from the ‘outside world’, using cowbells, military band music, uncommon wind instruments, mandolins and guitars, even vocal soloists and chorus. His 8th symphony is known as the ‘Symphony of a Thousand’ because of the huge performing forces it requires. Yet, again, Mahler also evokes tender intimacy and humanity among the tumult. |
Russian Masterpieces: Prokofiev & ShostakovichThe complete symphonic works of Shostakovich and Prokofiev include some of the most fascinating and intoxicating Russian compositions of the 20th century. These works reflect the political influences of the Stalinist era. Prokofiev’s symphonies range from his first, the ‘Classical’ Symphony which uses a small orchestra that Haydn would have been familiar with, to the highly-charged and dramatic later symphonies composed for much larger orchestras. While Prokofiev spent many years abroad where he could compose without political restraints, Shostakovich had to tailor his compositional language according to the dictates of the Soviet political regime. Despite critique, Shostakovich developed an enigmatic, very personal style which remains as powerful, inspiring and elusive today as when his music was written. |
20th Century British Symphonies: Britten, Walton, Bax & ArnoldFrom his joyful Simple Symphony to the tragic yet consoling Sinfonia da Requiem, Britten communicates with listeners both intellectually and emotionally, creating unforgettable music of haunting beauty and tremendous power.Walton was a master of orchestral colour whose awareness of musical developments in Europe and Russia (for instance, from Debussy and Sibelius to Stravinsky) and innate dramatic flair helped him to create a unique musical language which can both beguile and excite. The symphonies of Bax contain strong Celtic inspiration within a sound world redolent of Romanticism and Impressionism. Arnold ranks among the most sought-after British composers, his marvellous symphonies combining Romantic grandeur, touches of popular music and passages of immense beauty. |
20th Century American SymphoniesComposers in the New World often sought a distinctly ‘American accent’ within a cultural milieu that was indebted to the traditions of the Old World. The symphonies of Barber, Bernstein, Carter, Copland, Glass, Ives, Rochberg and Schuman represent highly individual responses to this situation, each finding a uniquely personal approach.Whether drawing upon, or reinventing European models, finding musical expression for American energy and enterprise, celebrating the nation’s extraordinary cultural mix or beating new paths through unexplored frontiers, these symphonies ultimately achieve a collective goal that could be regarded as a musical ‘American dream’. |
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| Bach | • | Beethoven | • | Handel | • | Mozart | • | Tchaikovsky | • | Vivaldi |