Franz Lachner: Symphony No. 4

[Ilja]

I personally don't mind the repeats - The material is so interesting and handled so beautifully.

Yes if a melodic idea is strong enough, I don't mind it being repeated. Another example is Kalinnikov's first symphony.

Up to a point, yes. I do find that Lachner rather overindulges in repetition at times, which can take the momentum - and structure - out of a movement as a whole. The scherzo of the 3rd is a good example. The guy had a real knack for catchy, Rossini-esque melodies, but whichever way you look at it, conciseness was not his strong suit.

[Justin]

On the 3rd symphony I agree. 45 minutes is a long time for that kind of material.

[Alan Howe]

45 minutes is a long time for that kind of material

It's actually nearly 48! However, although we have to acknowledge that Lachner's method is repetitious, it is possible to 'tune in' to his way of working. In particular, what I have done is to gather together the three cpo/Schmalfuss recordings and give his music time to sink in, to the exclusion (on some days) of music by other composers.

[terry martyn]

That's very interesting, Alan, as it was exactly what I did with the music of Lachner during Spain's very very long lockdown. I immersed myself in it, and grew to admire it.

[Alan Howe]

You have to do the same with, say, Bruckner. Is this heresy?

[Ilja]

That's very interesting, Alan, as it was exactly what I did with the music of Lachner during Spain's very very long lockdown. I immersed myself in it, and grew to admire it.

This comes close to Stockholm Syndrome, it seems.

Sorry, couldn't resist.

[Alan Howe]

Count me guilty!

[eschiss1]

For some of us this even works for other music quite entirely, including modern works premiered in Stockholm... (the year before I was born)
Anyhow, as to Lachner, cpo has been issuing these at what is for them quite a clip. Maybe symphony no.2 will be out -before- the recording industry implodes at this rate!... (kein ayin hara etc.) ...