Lachner Symphony No.6

[Alan Howe]

By the way, I think that Robinson's version of the Fifth Symphony does it few favours - it's already a long work, and those languid tempos dont't help at all.

No doubt that's true.

[Alan Howe]

But what about the Berger 2nd?!

Although I'd be quite happy to go there, let's not. At least, not here.

[hyperdanny]

Lachner is such a unique composer for me: while I am acutely aware of his shortcomings, so well described here, there's not a single piece of his that I don't like very much, even love.
Me too, I go through the looooong 5th with a sort of mesmerized pleasure,
I suggest though, and the Schmalfuss 3rd for me proves it, that many of the problems are the result of not-so-good orchestras or indifferent conducting, just think about the Suites on Marco Polo...
In short, I can't wait to have this new one, too.

[Alan Howe]

You may well be right about the quality of recorded performances. I'd certainly say that the Schmalfuss/cpo version of No.3 was excellent - which bodes well for No.6.

[Alan Howe]

Some attractive-sounding excerpts are now available:
https://www.jpc.de/jpcng/cpo/detail/-/art/franz-lachner-symphonie-nr-6/hnum/7971973

[Alan Howe]

The CD's here....

First movement: over-reliance on bouncy theme? Sequences galore, but genuine dynamism. Reminder to self: Lachner isn't Schubert! Nevertheless, quite a head of steam is forged as the movement progresses. Some lovely lyrical moments. Oh, no - a fugue, which only serves to hold up the movement. Finally the tempo quickens again before the close.
Slow movement: Very lovely. Full of interest and variety.
Scherzo: one of the first examples in the literature of shadowy-ghostly goings-on? Beautiful, relaxed trio section. A very fine creation.
Finale: alternation of triumphal theme (dotted rhythm) and secondary calmer theme. Genuine excitement builds. Much the most original Lachner movement I have ever encountered. Gorgeous string-led section towards the close.

Schumann's positive assessment justified! Apart from that deadly fugue section!

Performance seems pretty-well ideal. Playing nicely 'finished'; recording clear, but with plenty of 'space' round aural image. TT: 44:14

[eschiss1]

hrm. moreso than some of Mendelssohn's somewhat earlier orchestral scherzos? Intriguing. (First appearance specifically in a symphony is an interesting distinction but composers weren't who weren't averse to arranging chamber music as a symphony or exchange music between different orchestral works and symphonies didn't hold the name symphony in such especial reverence - as late as Pfitzner or as early as Cherubini.)

(The scherzo of Beethoven 5, however much I feel like I've heard it too often, is certainly a contender.)

[terry martyn]

Only 44 minutes!   Robbed!   And I was hoping to quote Geoffrey Dunn  "Ït lasts two hours and more,Not counting the encore"!!

[Alan Howe]

44 minutes are quite sufficient. The first movement's already irritating me with its multiple repetitions of the 'bouncy' theme. And, oh that wretched fugue. The remainder of the work is a great improvement, though.

[terry martyn]

Then Offenbach´s Eurydice would have been in harmony with you,Alan! (Offenbach was, of course, satirising contemporary offerings of heavenly length, amongst his many other Second Empire Aunt Sallies)

[Alan Howe]

Very likely. Actually I have no problem with heavenly length, provided the length is indeed heavenly! But when Lachner slams on the brakes towards the end of the first movement in order to introduce a fugue which throws a spanner into the progress of the music, I throw up my hands in despair! Especially as the remainder of the symphony is really rather fine. Talk about a blot on the landscape...

[Alan Howe]

I am persuaded that this is Lachner's finest symphony - by some distance. It's not over-long and contains some really memorable and individual music. I might even be reconciled to that fugue - one day!

[eschiss1]

Then I really look forward to hearing the CD even more, then. (I think I'll wait a few months and make a point of making that one of my gift-card things - last year's worked out very well.)

[semloh]

Thank you for all your comments on this symphony, Alan. Obviously, the CD now has to go on my wants list. 

[terry martyn]

I have now played through the Symphony twice. Much as I want to admire that fugue, I think it is out of place, portentious,and affects the balance of this otherwise pleasing symphony.