https://youtu.be/e28EWHuBOSU?si=iOK3bpVn3XW0x2BZ&t=1213 (https://youtu.be/e28EWHuBOSU?si=iOK3bpVn3XW0x2BZ&t=1213)
Should be timed to start at Raff among the other composers.
Yes, hmm. He seems to think that Raff wrote a 'Leonore' Symphony. Hopeless.
"...how to deploy his [wonderful material] to best effect was something he wasn't that good at." Really? Raff was an amazing contrapuntalist and made the very best of his material. There are no "dead spots" in his works. If he was traditional structurally, that's what gives his music clarity. You don't get lost in a Raff symphony.
Still, I suppose we should be grateful that Hurwitz classifies Raff as a "major composer".
Quite so. Hurwitz is only half right - which makes him half wrong. Annoyingly.
He is going to the well too often. Confusing Spohr and Raff. Rushed!
(although I too love Raff's First)
It may just be personal preference. Hurwitz has often praised symphonies that are tight in structure and don't overstay their welcome (in his view), such as those of Cornelis Dopper and Sgambati.
Thanks to Revilod for saying all I would, but much more succinctly!