Paul Lacombe: Symphony No.2/etc.

[Ilja]

Listening to Lacombe's symphony, I was continually reminded of Rabaud's later E minor symphony (1900) in terms of atmosphere, although I consider that a more ambitious and stronger work. The main theme from the first movement, which returns at the end, is perhaps a bit banale, but it is used well. I find it a charming, far from earth-shattering work that certainly has its moments and thrills. Something similar can be said of both the piano suite and the horn concerto. Perhaps the most striking work on this CD is the unashamedly exhilarating Rhapsody on themes from the Pays d'Oc. 
From the evidence here, Lacombe shows himself to be an accomplished provincial composer; audibly remote from the musical center, not given to grand statements, but also with talent and charm. 

[eschiss1]

There's also some other recordings of his music, including one of his 3 piano trios. Anyhow, thanks for the review

[Alan Howe]

There's always room for composers like Lacombe. They may not hit the heights, but they always give pleasure.

[Ilja]

I agree entirely. This exists in the same realm as, for instance, the Gouvy symphonies. No pompous and grandiose claims to be universe-encompassing, but really good fun.

[Alan Howe]

Actually, I think Gouvy's a more important figure, but I agree, yes.

[Ilja]

On the page of Martin Walsh's recreation of the Lacombe symphony, someone berated Martin for taking the trouble to do so and not restricting himself to lengthy Germanic stuff. I am aware that I am praying to the converted here, but that comment exuded exactly the kind of superior mentality that this forum, to me at least, exists to rail against. I really admire the scope of Martin's efforts (and those of Thomas Palojärvi and many others) to unveil the richness of the romantic musical world to us.

[Alan Howe]

I agree 100%.

[Mark Thomas]

That comment on Martin's YouTube page was outrageous and so, so patronising. He, Tuomas and the people at MDMusics (many forgotten Dutch symphonies and other orchestral realisations) all deserve a huge vote of thanks from us.

[semloh]

I agree entirely. Arrogant and patronising, for sure. Of course one can always login and reply to the offending individual! I see that it's a comment from a year ago and has attracted two brief supportive replies.

[Ilja]

I don't think that second comment was intended to be supportive.

[Alan Howe]

I should have posted my support earlier. Apologies, Martin.

[semloh]

I don't think that second comment was intended to be supportive.

That's how I read it, Ilja, but you may be right.

[terry martyn]

I have just been re-listening to the Rabaud, which was cited by Ilja  in an earlier post.   It is weightier and better-constructed than the Lacombe, to my ears, but I didn't detect many similarities. Maybe early d'Indy might be closer to the mark?

[Mark Thomas]

Lacombe's Symphony has finally reached the top of my playlist. It's a modestly-proportioned, grateful work, with memorable material attractively orchestrated and I'll look forward to revisiting it but I did find it oddly anonymous. I wasn't expecting anything too Franckian like so many later 19th century French symphonies but, like Lalo's Symphony mentioned earlier by Alan, it's so eclectic that there aren't really any clues to the nationality of the composer, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, just unusual for the period. It'll be interesting to see if the other orchestral works on the CD (which I haven't heard yet) are similarly self-effacing.