Georg Schumann Symphony in F minor op. 42

[BerlinExpat]

Deutschlandradio Kultur in association with CPO have recorded more of George Schumann's orchestral works and these will be broadcast on Saturday October 22nd at 21:30 (CET). Hopefully a third CD will eventually come with the remaining orchestral works.

Georg Schumann
Sinfonie f-Moll op. 42
Ouvertüre zu einem Drama op. 45
"Lebensfreude" Ouvertüre op. 54

Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin
Conductor: James Feddeck

[Alan Howe]

Could you record this, please?

[BerlinExpat]

Can do, Alan.

[Alan Howe]

Much appreciated - thank you!

[Alan Howe]

This 1905 symphony is certainly a huge advance stylistically on his earlier work in B minor. Further comments to come...

[Alan Howe]

This is something of a monster orchestrally, although not especially so in length at 48+ mins. Very much in the Wagner-Bruckner-Strauss mould, the first movement is strenuous stuff, superbly played by the Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin (formerly the Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra) under the young American conductor, James Feddeck. I think my overall verdict is going to be: "impressive, but not terribly individual", but more anon...

[Alan Howe]

...the slow movement, after a mysterious pizzicato opening, soon blossoms into a gorgeous, easeful Mahlerian episode in the strings, followed by a more agitated section which slowly builds towards a calmer climax. Further singing in the strings hints at passion before relaxing again, although agitated interjections can be heard in the lower strings, leading to a more turbulent climax which continues to build despite attempts to cut the music off. The eventual high-point is hard-won, but not really triumphant. The movement continuous in quasi-Brucknerian fashion, with string figurations set against brass (think Bruckner 7); this time the mood is more positive and the outcome settled and restful.

This is wonderful music in the great Austro-German tradition. Again, more anon...

[Alan Howe]

Third movement: Out of the shadows emerges a jagged, truculent theme which dominates the writing until we enter more pastoral territory. This is once again absolutely glorious stuff. Irresistible, in fact. The music then returns to the agitated opening, becoming heavier and ever more determined.

The finale, which follows attacca is basically a journey through a series of varying episodes to the confirmation of eventual victory. The mood is increasingly positive and optimistic - as if the previous strivings have been left behind, although at about six minutes before the end final doubts arise before being utterly dismissed.

This is a fine work - much better than certain other works of the period already recorded by cpo, e.g. the two Bischoff symphonies. What it lacks is real individuality, but its composer is nothing if not a craftsman. Well worth a listen - or three!

[Mark Thomas]

This is all very persuasive, Alan. I'll have to put aside some time today...