Godard Symphonie Gotique & Symphony 2

[Mark Thomas]

Just to make it clear, I don't think that the Symphony is worthless by any means, but the rest of it just doesn't live up to the promise of that splendid opening movement which, together with the slow movement of the Gothique, demonstrates that he was capable of better when he put his mind to it.

[Alan Howe]

I've now listened to the work a further three times and find that I am appreciating it more and more. The slow movement is thoroughly memorable, with a remarkable range of orchestration, the scherzo is the sort of thing Godard does well, and the finale alternates blazing writing with some lovely quieter passages. Very satisfying.

A case of great minds thinking unalike...

[Mark Thomas]

  As you say, Alan.

[Alan Howe]

 

[mikehopf]

So much Godard yet no Jocelyn! Pourquoi?

[Alan Howe]

Parce que c'est un opéra - et ça coûte beaucoup d'argent!

[mikehopf]

Yes, O.K. operas are expensive....but why put on " Dante" which few of us have heard of when we all know of " Jocelyn". How many times has the Berceuse been recorded?

[Alan Howe]

Who knows? Perhaps the rest of Jocelyn isn't as good as Dante...