Unsung Composers

The Music => Composers & Music => Topic started by: Reverie on Wednesday 23 June 2021, 22:37

Title: Lassen, Eduard (1830 - 1904) - Symphony in D major
Post by: Reverie on Wednesday 23 June 2021, 22:37
Symphony in D major first performed 1867

Here is the entire symphony complete. It has a memorable and uplifting opening theme which I hope you all come to love as much as I have.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJJuk_fMch4
Title: Re: Lassen, Eduard (1830 - 1904) - Symphony in D major
Post by: Mark Thomas on Thursday 24 June 2021, 07:20
I've long wanted to hear at least something from one of Lassen's two symphonies, and this movement doesn't disappoint. It really gladdens the heart, much like the opening movements of some of Dvorak's early symphonies can - the Third for instance. Thanks so much. On the evidence of this piece and the Violin Concerto there is certainly a case for much more Lassen. Do you have an opinion on the other three movements, Martin?
Title: Re: Lassen, Eduard (1830 - 1904) - Symphony in D major
Post by: Alan Howe on Thursday 24 June 2021, 10:13
I echo Mark's comments. This is big-hearted, affirmative music of real quality. Many thanks, Martin!
Title: Re: Lassen, Eduard (1830 - 1904) - Symphony in D major
Post by: Reverie on Thursday 24 June 2021, 11:13
Thanks.

Mark - I have made a start on the second and third movements. The slow movement is a kind of theme and variations based on a a very simple folk type melody. The scherzo is lively (obviously) with some interesting cross rhythms. They will be completed eventually .

Right back to Traum und Wirklichkeit, Op.92. And the composer of this is ...? No prizes for the first correct answer I'm afraid!
Title: Re: Lassen, Eduard (1830 - 1904) - Symphony in D major
Post by: Alan Howe on Thursday 24 June 2021, 11:53
Had to look it up, so I won't spoil others' fun...
Title: Re: Lassen, Eduard (1830 - 1904) - Symphony in D major
Post by: Mark Thomas on Thursday 24 June 2021, 16:56
QuoteI have made a start on the second and third movements
That's most encouraging Martin. Thanks, and in the meantime we have some Philipp Scharwenka to look forward to, eh?  ;)
Title: Re: Lassen, Eduard (1830 - 1904) - Symphony in D major
Post by: Alan Howe on Thursday 24 June 2021, 21:02
Encouraging on both counts, methinks.
Title: Re: Lassen, Eduard (1830 - 1904) - Symphony in D major
Post by: Reverie on Wednesday 20 March 2024, 22:20
The full Symphony is here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJJuk_fMch4
Title: Re: Lassen, Eduard (1830 - 1904) - Symphony in D major
Post by: Alan Howe on Wednesday 20 March 2024, 22:33
Just sampled the end of the finale - reminds me of the exultant ending of Brahms 2, except that Lassen got there first!
Title: Re: Lassen, Eduard (1830 - 1904) - Symphony in D major
Post by: Reverie on Wednesday 20 March 2024, 22:43
Dvorak for me the whole way  :)
Title: Re: Lassen, Eduard (1830 - 1904) - Symphony in D major
Post by: Mark Thomas on Thursday 21 March 2024, 09:57
Thanks so much for this, Martin.
Title: Re: Lassen, Eduard (1830 - 1904) - Symphony in D major
Post by: Alan Howe on Thursday 21 March 2024, 14:39
I like the work - thanks, Martin. I'm not sure I really rate Lassen, but this is attractive, cheerful stuff, well worth a modern outing. Thanks for all your hard work on it.
Title: Re: Lassen, Eduard (1830 - 1904) - Symphony in D major
Post by: eschiss1 on Friday 22 March 2024, 15:37
Thanks indeed.
Title: Re: Lassen, Eduard (1830 - 1904) - Symphony in D major
Post by: Alan Howe on Monday 08 April 2024, 22:16
Is the score of Lassen's 2nd Symphony available anywhere?
Title: Re: Lassen, Eduard (1830 - 1904) - Symphony in D major
Post by: tpaloj on Tuesday 09 April 2024, 13:48
A few libraries have the 2nd Symphony in C op. 78 (Allegro molto vivace–Larghetto–Presto–Allegro non troppo, ma con spirito), but I couldn't find a digitized score.
These libraries have the printed edition.
Title: Re: Lassen, Eduard (1830 - 1904) - Symphony in D major
Post by: Mark Thomas on Tuesday 09 April 2024, 13:56
Thanks, Tuomas.
Title: Re: Lassen, Eduard (1830 - 1904) - Symphony in D major
Post by: Alan Howe on Tuesday 09 April 2024, 14:32
Thanks. I rather thought it hadn't been digitised.
Title: Re: Lassen, Eduard (1830 - 1904) - Symphony in D major
Post by: Reverie on Tuesday 09 April 2024, 15:03
I have a copy  ;)
Title: Re: Lassen, Eduard (1830 - 1904) - Symphony in D major
Post by: Alan Howe on Tuesday 09 April 2024, 15:39
We trust your winks, Martin...

I really like the finale of No.1, by the way. Somewhere between the finales of Raff 2 and Brahms 2, I'd say.
Title: Re: Lassen, Eduard (1830 - 1904) - Symphony in D major
Post by: Alan Howe on Wednesday 10 April 2024, 19:08
...and now I can't get the main theme of the first movement out of my head! It's certainly catchy.
Title: Re: Lassen, Eduard (1830 - 1904) - Symphony in D major
Post by: eschiss1 on Thursday 11 April 2024, 02:50
It is.