Listening Project

Interesting fact: Kraus wrote the piece in c# minor, making it one of only 2 classical symphonies in that key (according to Wikipedia - I wonder who wrote the other one?) and Kraus only changed the key later to c minor.

I'm listening to it as we speak - the first thing that catches the ear is the huge amount of "room" in the recording, drowning fast passage-work and making the music sound unnecessarily "heavy". For this kind of repertoire, I like a much more direct recording, perhaps with a smaller orchestra as well. Not sure if it's the recording or the amount of players, but I get Karajan-associations in the slow movement, and I don't consider that a good thing.

As for the music itself, I once heard his "Funeral" symphony in a concert by Frans Brüggen, which made quite an impression. This piece sounds similar, perhaps a bit less extra-ordinary, more what you'd expect from a late 18th century composer in a "minor-key mood".

It's eloquent, very expressive music, which reminds one of the Sturm-und-Drang symphonies of Ha... oops.

Kraus' strength lies in the rich harmonies and the natural flow of his counterpoint. I'm not too impressed by his melodic inventiveness, but he manages to compensate that with his opulate orchestral colors and rhythmic finesse. One wish he would have been able to combine these qualities with the melodic gift of Mo... damn.

Well, can I say at least that the development section of the finale had some strong foreshadowings of Beethoven? ;)

EDIT: I see that on another Kraus-cd with Concerto Köln, a symphony in c# minor is included, which is in 4 parts and not identical with the present one. So apparently Kraus wrote BOTH of the c# minor symphonies mentioned above?

50m, I know at least some dozen(s) of Symphonies in c minor (such a pivotal and popular key, even in the Classical period). So, instead of wondering (even as a joke) which is the "second" c minor Symphony, take note that :

- Some minor masters composed Symphonies in c minor, like Arne (1767), Boccherini (No 17, op41 in 1788), Herschel (No. 8 in 1761), Krommer (No.4, op.102 in 1821), Pleyel (one in 1778), Ries (the wonderful No.2, op.80 in 1814), Spohr (at least the technically "Classic" No.3 of 1828), Vanhal (one in 1772 and Wilms (two, the superb No.4, op.23 and the No.7).

- Haydn wrote three : the 52, 78 and the glorious 95 (the only one from the "London" Symphonies in a minor key).

- The First of Mendelssohn's ones, written in 1824. Very Classical in its form and structure and technically within the period's borders.

- Schubert composed his 4th, the famous "Tragic" (another coincidence of the "character" and the "key": Funebre, Tragic, Fate).

So, maybe instead of 2, we may have to look for 22 Symphonies in c minor, in the Classical era.

Obviously, Kraus Symphony(ies) in c minor fall in the list of the lesser masters, definitely having very little to do with the likes of WAM or FJH, albeit quite entertaining. The Concerto Koln recording is "niftier" by all means.

Parla

I got confused with the "edit" of 50m's post, since for all I know and the double CD of Concerto Koln with all the major Symphonies, there are two c minor Symphonies but not two in c sharp minor. Actually, as Bazza mentioned, the BV 140 (initially in c sharp minor) became a short of "another" work in c minor as BV142, while the "Symphonie Funebre", BV 148, constitute the other c minor one.

So, practically, there is, in the Classical era, only an original kind of pre-work of a c minor Symphony in the very awkward and rare key of c sharp minor. It will be very interesting to know whether there is another original work in that audacious key.

Parla

No, but Rimsky's piano concerto is in C#m. As for Mahler 5, it's more than stretching a point to say it is "in" any one key.

Prokofiev's fourth concerto and the recently rediscovered Hindemith work spring to mind.

So that's two lots of commission Aho owes me. Plus some from the Rota estate. How did you get on with that Muti CD, Graham?

I also like the idea of dragging overshadowed masterpieces out of obscurity. I did suggest Brahms's magnificent cantata (quasi-operatic scena) "Rinaldo". How familiar are people with that?

Bazza, the Muti CD is really good. The Godfather part 1 was always one of my favourite films and I can't get those brooding themes out of my head. Keep expecting a horse's head on my pillow which would certainly ruin my four week old marriage! The love music is simply gorgeous. The other film music is well written, espacially Il Gattopardo. I haven't seen any of those films.

I don't know Rinaldo. He hasn't just signed for the Hammers has he?! I love Brahms' choral works, especially his glowing German Requiem and beautiful Alto Rhapsody, but this work has escaped my attention. We should put it on the list next time and see why it is a "flower born to blush unseen".

Graham