In one of my sporadic online library and archive searches, I have just come across reference to the 'Symphony in C' by Julius Benedict. This was mentioned a number of years ago here (https://www.unsungcomposers.com/forum/index.php/topic,3015.0.html) in his works list, but I'm unaware as to whether the work has been performed in modern times or, indeed, recorded in any capacity. Does anyone have any other information? There is a chance the manuscript could be available.
I just obtained some images of the bound manuscript book. Here are the information of the movements:
Scoring: 2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets in C, 2 bassoons, 2 horns in F, 2 horns in C, 2 trumpets in C, tenor and bass trombones, timpani and strings
1. Moderato in C (common time q = 110) - Allegro (6/4 dm = 100-104)
completed in London 16 April 1875
2. Andantino pastorale in F (6/8)
completed 7 Sept the same year
3. Scherzo - Allegro in C (2/4 q = 152) - sketchy at some parts
completed 6 April the same year
4. Allegro tempo di minuetto - Allegro con fuoco
Score full of crossings and pasteovers, some pages with just single instrument line written out, very challenging to read
The movement tempi indications are quite similar to Benedict's Symphony in G minor of 1872 (still available in our Downloads board here (https://www.unsungcomposers.com/forum/index.php/topic,8170.msg85584.html#msg85584)):
I. Moderato — Allegro appassionato
II. Andante con moto
III. Scherzo (Vivace assai)
IV. Finale (Allegro con fuoco)
Is it certain that this isn't just a transposition and reworking of that earlier work?
Yes, the movement tempi indications are similar, but I have checked the contents, they are different.
That's good.