Symphony No.2 - Peter Mennin скачать в хорошем качестве

Symphony No.2 - Peter Mennin

Eastman Rochester Orchestra conducted by Howard Hanson. I - Allegro deciso: 0:00 II - Andante moderato: 9:45 III - Allegro vigoroso: 19:12 Mennin's Symphony No.2 began its life as a single-movement work called "Symphonic Movement", being awarded with the First Gershwin Memorial Prize. The movement then became the first one of a symphony finished in 1944, being premiered on March 27 of 1945, performed by the New York Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Leonard Bernstein (however this is not 100% confirmed). The work as a whole received the Bearns Prize composition from the Columbia University. Despite the symphony’s great success, Mennin decided to withdraw it from further public performance, as with his previous symphony, probably because he considered them to be mere student exercises. However, shortly before his death in 1983, the composer lifted the ban on performances of this work. The work is divided in three movements in a fast-slow-fast sequence, revealing many of the characteristics of American symphonies of its time. The first movement is loosely written in sonata form. Begins with an animated theme in the winds, soon joined by the strings in what already reveals Mennin’s distinctive compulsion for constant contrapuntal and rhythmic activity. A brief melodic idea is hinted but not fully presented, as the main theme interrupts it. The development, while being more dramatic and dissonant, it is also full of counterpoint. There is no standard recapitulation, instead. The music grows more and more brilliant before ending with a powerful climax. The second movement is free in form. Opens with a solemn theme on lower strings, rising in a brief but expressive climax. The brass enters enhancing the melodic contours. The main theme is recapitulated in a brief fugato passage before the music rises in a dissonant climax. Follows a widely meditative section for the whole orchestra, leading to a brief whirlwind. The counterpoint of the piece grows denser and denser. After all this, the lower strings recapitulate the main theme. A peaceful coda ends the movement. The third movement is also structured in sonata form. Begins with a jovial rhythmic theme, followed by a more solemn second one. After a more pensive passage, follows the development based on the main theme, being subjected to strong counterpoint procedures, followed by a reference to the second theme. After a more meditative passage, comes the recapitulation of the main themes. The music seems to end suddenly, but due to recording problems the coda isn't present. A fresh and jovial symphony by a young composer, a shame that it isn't properly recorded. However, unlike the first symphony, at least we can listen to the piece. In it, we can see the great influence of American composers of the time, as well as we can appreciate the composer's lifelong interest in polyphony and counterpoint. Picture: Photograph of Peter Mennin taken in 1973. Musical analysis done by myself. Sources: https://bit.ly/3n7lxJw Unfortunately the score is not available.