Ferdinand Lavainne (1814-1893)

[Alan Howe]

I can't hear anything that would lead me to date this to anything other than the middle of the 19th century. What I find intriguing is the constant alternating between quasi-operatic lyricism and (as you describe it) wildness, but after a while I found it (the alternation) rather predictable. Nevertheless, it'd be fascinating to hear the rest of the work - if you can read the score (I couldn't!)

Thanks once again for a most unusual symphonic disinterrment!

An afterthought: might a comparable composer be Alkan?

[tpaloj]

If Alkan's missing symphony ever turned up, now that would be the day!

It's not bad, not at all. I found the development section the most fascinating part of this movement. Best of luck with the rest Martin!

[Mark Thomas]

The mention of Berlioz has made it very difficult to get him out out my head while listening to Lavainne's music, but I do think that much of the the main Allegro agitato here shares the same feverish intensity and almost bipolar mood switching of the former's Symphonie Fantastique. Fascinating. Do please carry on with it, Martin.