Louis Spohr, Symphonies Nos. 7 and 8, Slovak State Philharmonic Orchestra, Alfred Walter

For the last time we encounter the symphonies of Louis Spohr (1784-1859) with the final volume of the complete cycle as nicely performed by Alfred Walter and the Slovak State Philharmonic. Symphonies Nos. 7 and 8 (Naxos 8.555527) close the book, complete the circle, and simultaneously reaffirm to overall quality of the music for our ears.

The Symphony No. 7 is subtitled "The Earthly and Divine in Human Life." It is daring work for its time, like the Fourth before an innovation in form shaped by programmatic content. Here the "divine" is represented by a small orchestra, the "earthly" by a large one.. The two groups interact in three-movements--"The World of Childhood," "The Age of Passion" and the "Final Triumph of the Heavenly." The music abandons the expectations of the typical symphonic sequence and form for a more freely expressive approach depicting the dynamic of the two forces in our lives. It unveils long thematic unfoldings somewhat akin to Schubert in the last symphonies, but it follows Spohr's post-Beethoven trajectory as we have come to hear it in the other symphonies.

No. 8 has more of the traditional four movement symphony going for it. But for that matter there is nothing lightweight about it. It has the dramatic dynamic of the Spohr symphonic way and it absorbs and envelopes the listener in all the ways Spohr can do.

So this is a very positive last volume in an unexpected treasure trove of symphonic music. This one is a good place to start. And if you like this one, you'll no doubt respond to the others like I did. Spohr's time may be now. The collection is marvelous!

Spohr, Symphonies Nos. 2 and 9, Alfred Walter, Slovak State Philharmonic Orchestra

We have another volume today of the complete Spohr (1784-1859) symphonies by Alfred Walter and the Slovak State Philharmonic Orchestra. The volumes originally came out on Marco Polo in the '90s and are happily becoming available on Naxos. This one includes Symphonies Nos. 2 and 9 (the latter his last) (Naxos 8.555540). Posterity has not been very kind to these works. Compared to, say, Brahms or Mendelsson's celebrated symphonies, these Spohr works have been left in the dust. And yet it turns out these are attractive symphonies indeed, so far in my experience of the cycle anyway.

His "Symphony No. 2" is an ambitious work with traces of the influences of Haydn's "London Symphonies" or early-mid Beethoven. The first movement, a minor allegro, has surprising power and gravitas.

The 9th is an appealing symphony based on the seasonal cycle. It too has plenty of well planned, moving music in the post Beethovenian mode.

Once again the performances and sound are first-rate. Spohr was no slouch! I look forward to more. In fact another volume is coming up for review here and I hope the last volumes as well.