Ferdinand Gleich (1816-1898)

[Wheesht]

According to the very brief German wikipedia entry on Ferdinand Gleich (no other languages available), this German composer and music teacher was mainly known as a writer on music. A quick search has revealed that his (first?) Symphony in d major Op. 16 is held by the Staatsbibliothek Berlin. His second symphony, in C minor, received this glowing review, by a reviewer who signed simply 'S', in the...

Neue Zeitschrift für Musik, 28 March 1884

Dresden
Retrospectively, we also have to report on a performance of Ferdinand Gleich's Second Symphony. It was very well executed in a concert by the Mannsfeld Orchestra, and a Dresden newspaper wrote: A creative musician is entitled to high esteem in musical circles from the outset if he chooses the most distinguished form of instrumental music, the symphony, to express his intentions. If this work also demonstrates inspired invention and skilful mastery of orchestral resources, then one must wish the composer every success from the bottom of one's heart. This was the pleasant situation in which the audience at the Mannsfeld Orchestra's Saturday concert found itself with regard to Ferdinand Gleich's new symphony in C minor.
It received this work, which was excellent in every respect, with warm applause in all movements. Between the first movement, a passionate and fiery allegro, and the deeply felt funeral march, there is a delightful allegretto, which seeks to reconcile the seriousness of life with its graceful melody and dispels melancholy like the sun dispels grey mists. A lively presto in C major brings the work to a highly effective conclusion.

The original German text is here.

[eschiss1]

Thanks!
Interesting that his first symphony has the title "Eine kleine Symphonie" in Landesbibliothek Coburg's manuscript copy of it (in piano duet reduction - also in full score). (The SBB entry for the full score has, it seems, the more usual title.)

[Alan Howe]

Another interesting sounding composer - thanks, Thomas. His dates are 1816-1898, so Symphony No.2, described above as 'new', appears to be a very late work, probably written in Gleich's mid-sixties.

This listing reveals that Gleich corresponded with the Schumanns in 1840:
https://dohr.de/fachbuch/einzeltitel/isbn9783868460292.htm

Here's Gleich's letter:

Dear Doctor.
Following the advertisement in your esteemed journal, in which you invited composers who are not yet well known to contribute to the supplement of your journal, I take the liberty of submitting a small piece of this kind and, if you find it worthy, it would be an honour for me if you would include this little composition. It is the first piece I have written for the pianoforte, as I have so far only produced songs and dances for the orchestra, the latter of which have been performed to acclaim at concerts and balls here, in Oldenburg, Hamburg and other places. However, I intend to leave the field of dance composition, which I only entered in order to practise instrumentation, and turn my attention more to piano and larger orchestral compositions. If you find my first attempt of this kind worthy and are willing to accept it, you would, as it were, introduce me to this area of our art, for which I would be eternally grateful.
I would have liked to deliver the little composition to you myself, but unfortunately I am confined to my home due to ill health. Yesterday I wanted to pay you a visit, but I did not find you at home. As soon as I am able to go out again, I will make up for this omission.
With the greatest respect, I remain your devoted servant,
Ferdinand Gleich

[Translated with DeepL.com (free version)]
https://sbd.schumann-portal.de/briefe.html?FORMACTION=searching&sbeplan=&recordId=&absender=&absenderOrt=&empfaenger=&empfaengerOrt=&standort=&createDate=&endDate=&stichwort=&brieftext=&volltext=&show=5301&page=597