I bought the Hickox 2/6 Symphonies CD after seeing Dave Hurwitz's Utube video on "Best Symphonies No. 6" and am so glad I have discovered this composer!! I had heard the name but not the music. More purchases coming up, I think. 🙂Wonderful stuff!!
I'm a big fan of symphonies 2 and 8, as well as this one. Hard to say why Rubbra isn't better promoted and perforned more often, he composed some wonderful music. Thanks for putting this out there for others to enjoy!
Such a wonderful work and the second movement is unforgettable - beautiful, deeply felt and elegiac, although it's difficult to pinpoint just why it feels so sad. Rubbra on good form is unbeatable and this is one of his best works.
Yes indeed, and there are many such moments to be found in Rubbra's works. The sheer beauty is just breathtaking at times, making you wonder sincerely why Rubbra is not among the most famous and performed of composers. Probably because he eschews all effect and bombast. If I had to pick one symphonic cycle for a desert-island list (thanks heavens that I don't though) Rubbra's canon would be a serious candidate.
Any that you can find, really ! Rubbra never disappoints. All of the symphonies are great, as are the Sinfonia Concertante and the Morning Watch, to name some. I love his piano works, too.
+Chris Breemer And the Viola Concerto, for me. I don't know where you are, Nikos, but in the the UK the record label Chandos recorded the complete cycle of Rubbra's symphonies plus a few extra works, by the (I think) National Orchestra of Wales conducted by the sorely missed Richard Hickox, who died suddenly and far too young a few years ago.
YES ANDREW, LOTS OF CONCERT HALL AND RADIO STATION INCOMPETENT / LAZY CONCERT HALL & RADIO STATION BOSSES WHO ONLY PLAY CIRCA 2 % OF WORKS COMPOSRED TWIXT 1660 AND 1960 AND REFUSE TO PLAY AND SO WRONGFULLY NEGLECT SO MANY FIRST CLASS COMPOSERS AND THEIR EXCELLENT WORKS, NEED TO BE FINED AND SACKED; PLUS BARRED FROM ANY MORE PAID WORK IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY = THAT WILL TEACH THEM !!!!.
@@michaelcunningham3540 I don’t think Classic FM has ever really been the place to go. Same popular stuff over and over again. BBC Radio 3 is about as good as it gets (though still often neglects a lot of British 20th C composers).
In the score of the 6th symphony, at the beginning of the 'Canto' movement, Rubbra inserted the first three lines of a sonnet called 'L'Infinito' written by the 19th century Italian poet, Leopardi. Rubbra quotes the original Italian. R.C. Trevelyan's translation of the first part of the poem is as follows: Dear to me always was this lonely hill, And this hedge that excludes so large a part Of the ultimate horizon from my view. (But as I sit and gaze, my thought conceives Interminable vastnesses of space Beyond it, and unearthly silences, And profoundest calm;) I think the lines the composer does not quote (those in parentheses) seem more helpful in conveying what was in his mind.?
When this symphony was new the main tempo for the first movement was taken appreciably slower. There was a Boult performance on Intaglio which documents this, and I remember hearing Barbirolli conduct it in Oxford, with Rubbra present, at a very similar pace. Rubbra wasclearly in favour of it - his body language throughout was uninhibited and unmistakeable. I don't think Hickox gets it right, I'm afraid. But at least he took the trouble to revive these works. They badly need performing.
Many thanks for filling this gap ! Somehow I find this symphony not as immediately appealing as Rubra's other I heard. It does not seem to have as many memorable themes and not as strong and purposeful a thrust. It certainly has its moments though. Another exemplary recording of Hickox and his very skilled band. What a shame we had to lose Hickox at so young an age. His legacy will stand out for many decades, I would hope. BTW Compliments on your choice of images !
I have explored the works of many lesser-known composers, and ultimately come to realise why they aren't celebrated. Rubbra is an exception. Why the relative obscurity? Did he offend the musical establishment in some way? This symphony sucks you in to its atmospheric soundworld. I have it on continuous play. And - joy of joys - there are more to come.
NO ALAN YOU RAIN DOWN ON US A LOT OF NONSENSE, MOST NEGLECTED COMPOSERS UNHEARD MUSIC IS DUE TO E DISGUSTING BIASS, INDIFFERENCE, INCOPMPETENCE, LAZINESS AND PERSONAL DISLIKES OF CONCERT HALL AND RADIO STATION CHEIFS WHO SELFISHLY ONLY THINK OF THEMSELES AND NOT OF THE PUBLICS RIGHS TO HEAR OTHER THAN RGE CIRCA 2 % OF OVERPLAYED FEW COMPPOSERS WORKS AND WHO NEED TO BE SACKED & REPLACED ASAP BY UNSELFISH AND A LOT MORE ENLIGHTED BOSSES !!!.
Three ads in the first 23 minutes. If you want to monetize how about just one ad at the beginning? And yes, I know about ad block. The problem with that is that it also blocks access to many websites.
I bought the Hickox 2/6 Symphonies CD after seeing Dave Hurwitz's Utube video on "Best Symphonies No. 6" and am so glad I have discovered this composer!! I had heard the name but not the music. More purchases coming up, I think. 🙂Wonderful stuff!!
I'm a big fan of symphonies 2 and 8, as well as this one. Hard to say why Rubbra isn't better promoted and perforned more often, he composed some wonderful music. Thanks for putting this out there for others to enjoy!
Such a wonderful work and the second movement is unforgettable - beautiful, deeply felt and elegiac, although it's difficult to pinpoint just why it feels so sad. Rubbra on good form is unbeatable and this is one of his best works.
That gentle slide into the string passage at 13:28 is one of the loveliest things I know in all music.
Yes indeed, and there are many such moments to be found in Rubbra's works. The sheer beauty is just breathtaking at times, making you wonder sincerely why Rubbra is not among the most famous and performed of composers. Probably because he eschews all effect and bombast. If I had to pick one symphonic cycle for a desert-island list (thanks heavens that I don't though) Rubbra's canon would be a serious candidate.
Which other works by him would you recommend?
Any that you can find, really ! Rubbra never disappoints. All of the symphonies are great, as are the Sinfonia Concertante and the Morning Watch, to name some. I love his piano works, too.
+Chris Breemer And the Viola Concerto, for me.
I don't know where you are, Nikos, but in the the UK the record label Chandos recorded the complete cycle of Rubbra's symphonies plus a few extra works, by the (I think) National Orchestra of Wales conducted by the sorely missed Richard Hickox, who died suddenly and far too young a few years ago.
Yes, that one certainly as well. Rugged and lyrical at the same time, as only Rubbra can.
It is a scandal that this symphony is neglected. I am so happy my father selected it for me. Three cheers for Mr Rubbra!
YES ANDREW, LOTS OF CONCERT HALL AND RADIO STATION INCOMPETENT / LAZY CONCERT HALL & RADIO STATION BOSSES WHO ONLY PLAY CIRCA 2 % OF WORKS COMPOSRED TWIXT 1660 AND 1960 AND REFUSE TO PLAY AND SO WRONGFULLY NEGLECT SO MANY FIRST CLASS COMPOSERS AND THEIR EXCELLENT WORKS, NEED TO BE FINED AND SACKED; PLUS BARRED FROM ANY MORE PAID WORK IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY = THAT WILL TEACH THEM !!!!.
It's shameful this is not played on classic FM
@@michaelcunningham3540 I don’t think Classic FM has ever really been the place to go. Same popular stuff over and over again. BBC Radio 3 is about as good as it gets (though still often neglects a lot of British 20th C composers).
Phenomenal music!
Magnifique Symphonie !
thank you! love Hickox verson too...RIP
In the score of the 6th symphony, at the beginning of the 'Canto' movement, Rubbra inserted the first three lines of a sonnet called 'L'Infinito' written by the 19th century Italian poet, Leopardi. Rubbra quotes the original Italian. R.C. Trevelyan's translation of the first part of the poem is as follows:
Dear to me always was this lonely hill,
And this hedge that excludes so large a part
Of the ultimate horizon from my view.
(But as I sit and gaze, my thought conceives
Interminable vastnesses of space
Beyond it, and unearthly silences,
And profoundest calm;)
I think the lines the composer does not quote (those in parentheses) seem more helpful in conveying what was in his mind.?
The Canto slow movement is surely Rubbra's most beautiful and profound.
agree, though slow movement of the 5th (especially its end) comes close.
Arthur, I absolutely agree with you - in fact, having listened again, I would not like to choose between them.
It is a wonderful piece of music
The second and fourth movements are outstanding.
When this symphony was new the main tempo for the first movement was taken appreciably slower. There was a Boult performance on Intaglio which documents this, and I remember hearing Barbirolli conduct it in Oxford, with Rubbra present, at a very similar pace. Rubbra wasclearly in favour of it - his body language throughout was uninhibited and unmistakeable. I don't think Hickox gets it right, I'm afraid. But at least he took the trouble to revive these works. They badly need performing.
Lovely and powerful ... I hope to say much more about this soon!
This inspirational and graceful melody is beyond description
The disposition, rhythms and the thematic content in the Allegretto is Nielsonian. Has anybody else noticed this?
Magnificent
Thanks for this.
Many thanks for filling this gap !
Somehow I find this symphony not as immediately appealing as Rubra's other I heard. It does not seem to have as many memorable themes and not as strong and purposeful a thrust. It certainly has its moments though. Another exemplary recording of Hickox and his very skilled band. What a shame we had to lose Hickox at so young an age. His legacy will stand out for many decades, I would hope.
BTW Compliments on your choice of images !
I was impressed！
'Return to the Centre' is the title of a book by Bede Griffiths (another Roman Catholic). It should be the title of this symphony.
I have explored the works of many lesser-known composers, and ultimately come to realise why they aren't celebrated. Rubbra is an exception. Why the relative obscurity? Did he offend the musical establishment in some way? This symphony sucks you in to its atmospheric soundworld. I have it on continuous play. And - joy of joys - there are more to come.
NO ALAN YOU RAIN DOWN ON US A LOT OF NONSENSE, MOST NEGLECTED COMPOSERS UNHEARD MUSIC IS DUE TO E DISGUSTING BIASS, INDIFFERENCE, INCOPMPETENCE, LAZINESS AND PERSONAL DISLIKES OF CONCERT HALL AND RADIO STATION CHEIFS WHO SELFISHLY ONLY THINK OF THEMSELES AND NOT OF THE PUBLICS RIGHS TO HEAR OTHER THAN RGE CIRCA 2 % OF OVERPLAYED FEW COMPPOSERS WORKS AND WHO NEED TO BE SACKED & REPLACED ASAP BY UNSELFISH AND A LOT MORE ENLIGHTED BOSSES !!!.
@@peterbuckley265
well, I agree, but please don't shout..
Chill mate, this is classical music at its best relax enjoy
@@peterbuckley265 You really need to see a doctor (and while you're at it, learn to spell and get your f**king caps key unstuck).
Three ads in the first 23 minutes. If you want to monetize how about just one ad at the beginning? And yes, I know about ad block. The problem with that is that it also blocks access to many websites.
I'm not making money from any video posted on my account, nor have I ever made a penny, that would be the host.
strong ending
Sounds like Rubbra was heavily influenced by Sibelius. Probably some other English composers as well including Bax.
I agree about Hickox. What a waste.