I don't remember the date when Christopher Rouse became the Composer in Residence with the NY Philharmonic, but I think his 4th, 5th, & 6th symphonies were composed at that time. Correct me if I am way off or even off a little. (I've not been able to compose anything since May 2021 and I'm getting a little rattled!!!)
Movement I., "Felice", was for me a very decent addition to the repertoire of 20th century "American" symphonies (and I do not mean that in a snide way); I dare to suggest that the second movement, "Doloroso", may be taken as a dirge to the passing of that America.
Since the Cincinnati Symphony is to premiere Rouse's 6th Symphony in their upcoming season and I was considering attending the concert, I thought I should listen to a previous symphony or two of his. My impression of this 4th is generally positive. The first adjectives that came to mind were "brilliant", "flowing", "eventful" and "melodic", although the first movement's relentless tempo became more tiring than felicitous, and the finale, especially in its final pages, seemed more pretentious than convincing. Rouse's orchestration is excellent, but the music itself seems to me to lack depth and personality, although passing resemblances to Copland and Hovhaness didn't hurt it at all. So I'm interested, with reservations, in Rouse's music, and will investigate further - and may even attend a premiere.
Fantastic music. The atmopshere of the "Doloroso" section is so haunting. Thanks a lot Wellesz
Invigorating!!
i love the contrabass clarinet
bravo
I don't remember the date when Christopher Rouse became the Composer in Residence with the NY Philharmonic, but I think his 4th, 5th, & 6th symphonies were composed at that time. Correct me if I am way off or even off a little. (I've not been able to compose anything since May 2021 and I'm getting a little rattled!!!)
the world has changed so much since 2021! i would be excited to hear what you can compose now after being freshly inspired :)
I like how he quoted "Rapture" at 7:20.
Movement I., "Felice", was for me a very decent addition to the repertoire of 20th century "American" symphonies (and I do not mean that in a snide way); I dare to suggest that the second movement, "Doloroso", may be taken as a dirge to the passing of that America.
Since the Cincinnati Symphony is to premiere Rouse's 6th Symphony in their upcoming season and I was considering attending the concert, I thought I should listen to a previous symphony or two of his. My impression of this 4th is generally positive. The first adjectives that came to mind were "brilliant", "flowing", "eventful" and "melodic", although the first movement's relentless tempo became more tiring than felicitous, and the finale, especially in its final pages, seemed more pretentious than convincing. Rouse's orchestration is excellent, but the music itself seems to me to lack depth and personality, although passing resemblances to Copland and Hovhaness didn't hurt it at all. So I'm interested, with reservations, in Rouse's music, and will investigate further - and may even attend a premiere.
How about this sixth then ?
@@Alix777. he died of cancer only a few months after finishing his 6th...it was his own requiem in a way