Edward German Symphony No.2 "The Norwich"

[Alan Howe]

I note that in his review of the reissue of Andrew Penny's recording of German's 2nd Symphony on Naxos at MusicWeb that Gary Higginson says: <<To me, this is the finest British symphony before Elgar.>>
https://www.musicwebinternational.com/2023/03/german-symphony-2-naxos/

An interesting opinion, I thought, so I dug out my copy of John Wilson's recording on Dutton and I must say it's a very fine work in an idiom which certainly has certain pre-echoes of Elgar (it dates from 1893). Whether's it's superior to the best of Stanford, Parry or Cliffe (or Cowen, Sullivan, etc.) I couldn't say, but it's a view that has one thinking...

[Mark Thomas]

It's years since I listened to either of German's symphonies, I must give them a spin in the next few days. Thanks for the reminder, Alan.

[Justin]

The only lasting impression it has made on me (like most symphonies) is the Andante. Very atmospheric and an indication of German at his most musically mature stage.

I wish he wrote more in this vain because it is absolutely gorgeous. In my opinion it has a slightly "American" sound in the vain of Hadley or Chadwick, with an emphasis on the woodwinds and a constantly spiraling melody of the strings in the background. Another work that would be a great pairing on a concert program with a more well known piece.

[Alan Howe]

The finale has a very powerful coda.