Basel Radio Symphony Orchestra conducted by Alun Francis.
I - Intense: 0:00
II - Méditatif: 4:23
III - Emporté: 13:56
Milhaud's Symphony No.11 was composed in 1960, being commissioned by both the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and the Dallas Public Library. It was premiered on December 12 of 1960, conducted by Paul Kletzki. The piece returns to the three-movement form found in previous symphonies, which were oriented as a view back into the symphony origin as the fast-slow-fast italian overture. The subtitle ("Romantic") conveys the more intense expression found instead of the unsentimental neoclassicism Milhaud was associated with.
The first movement is structured in a modified sonata form. It begins with a nervous and agitated main theme, contrasted by a more lyrical second theme introduced by the wood. In the ensuing development, the mixture of tonalities in contrapuntal constructions greatly transforms the material. We don't find a recapitulation, instead a vigorously rhythmic coda ends the movement.
The second movement is written as a theme and variations, being the true core of the piece as in previous symphonies. It opens with a lyrical, meditative main theme on strings with reminiscences of Copland. It is then unfolded in a series of continuous variations, in which polytonality is used in punctual moments to enhance expressivity. The main theme is recapitulated in the middle, before variations continue to go on until reaching a brief but dramatic climax. A nostalgic coda ends the movement.
The third movement is monothematic in form. It begins with an impetuous main theme on full orchestra, constantly changing rhythms. It is contrasted by a more melodic passage, before the energy returns in full force. Polytonality is widely used here, creating an unusually "rugged" texture and being the main drive of development. A vigorous coda ends the entire work with relentless momentum.
Picture: "Second Story Sunlight" (1960) by the American painter Edward Hopper.
Musical analysis mostly written by myself. Source: tinyurl.com/2auk5wz5
Unfortunately, the score is not freely available.
4 июл 2024
