AUCKLAND FESTIVAL

New Zealand Listener, Volume 21, Issue 528, 5 August 1949, Page 8

AUCKLAND FESTIVAL

'T’HIS is one of three articles written for "The Listener" by

BESSIE

POLLARD

Each will discuss in outline an important symphonic

work to be heard at one of the Auckland concerts of the National Orchestra on August 15, 18 and 20,

(1) Symphony No.4 in E Minor, Op. 98 ( Brahms) BRAHMS’S © Fourth Symphony is regarded to-day as one of his greatest works. It was written in 1884-85, and performed for the first time (and with great success) on October 25, 1885, under the direction of the composer, at Meiningen. | Later, Hans von Bulow, conductor of the Meinimgen Orchestra, included the Symphony when the orchestra toured Germany and Holland. Brahms also went with ‘them, and conducted ‘his work in each place. The first movement-Allegro non troppo-is Saab on a succession of themes. The first of these is announced by violins in dialogue fashion ("A" below), the strings being answered by woodwind. Following a transition passage violins give Ait a Mew thee ('2" Below) 4a her 25-- 5 t+

In bar 53 oboe, clarinet, bassoon, and horn present’another theme ("A" below), while in bar 57, ’cello and horn are heard in a sensitive and tender melody ("B" below)- — j

The horn hints at the main subject in the opening bars of the slow movement -Andante moderato-in’ the unusual key of the submediant (C Major). In bar 5 pizzicato violins and clarinets take it over in the proper key of E Major ("A" below). The second subject ("B" below) is ushered in by ’cellos, accompanied by upper strings and bassogn- . ‘

The form of the third movement-Allegro giocoso-seems to be.a combination of Scherzo and Sonata movement. The abr 3 subject is a compound of three contrasted motifs ("A," "B,’ and "C" below); the second subject appears in bar 51, announced by first violins- .

The Finale, Allegro energico e passionato-the climax of the work-is cast as a great passacaglia (a series of variations based, in this case, on a reiterated eight-bar theme). The theme is heard at the beginning of the movement given out by woodwind and brass ("A" below); 30 variations follow, the first nine of which might be said to form the first section of the movement, The next ‘six variations could be regarded as a calmer middle section, It is in this portion of the movement that the lovely flute theme (accompanied by soft chords of horns and, strings) is heard ("B" below). The 14th variation with its trombone chorale, and the final great sweep from the 16th variation to the erid, are peak | moments of a mighty movement. :

Symphony No. 4 in E Minor, Op. 95 (Srahms) will be heard at tle lirst Auckland concert of the National Orchestra, conducted by Andersen Tyrer, on Monday, August 15, : i