Symphony in D (Voříšek)
The Symphony in D major, [Op. 23], is the only work in this genre by the Bohemian-born composer Jan Václav Voříšek. He wrote it in 1821 at age 30; he died young, at only 34.
The dedication to Aloys von Fuchs was inscribed in the composer's own hand on 14 April 1823.[1]
The symphony has not been published during Voříšek's lifetime and originally bears no opus number. In some recordings, it bears op. 23, a number missing in Voříšek's original numbering.[2] Confusingly, in some other recordings it bears op. 24, a number also attributed to Voříšek's Mass in B-flat.
It is scored for a standard classical orchestra typical of late Haydn or early Beethoven symphonies: 2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons, 2 horns, 2 trumpets, timpani and strings.[2] Indeed, it has often been compared to early Beethoven, although it was written only six years before that master's death, 16 months after Voříšek. He was a friend of Schubert and may well have been influenced by that composer as well.
The Symphony in D is Voříšek's most famous work, and is the first major Czech contribution to the 19th century symphonic literature.[3]
The movements are:
- Allegro con brio
- Andante
- Scherzo: Allegro ma non troppo
- Finale: Allegro con brio.[2]
Recordings[edit]
The Symphony in D has been recorded by:
- Czech National Symphony Orchestra under Paul Freeman
- Czech Philharmonic under Karel Ančerl
- Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie under Thomas Hengelbrock
- New Philharmonia Orchestra under Michael Bialoguski
- Prague Philharmonia under Jiří Bělohlávek
- Scottish Chamber Orchestra under Sir Charles Mackerras
- West German Sinfonia Orchestra under Dirk Joeres.
References[edit]
- ^ Antony Hodgson, Liner notes from Unicorn recording: New Philharmonia Orchestra under Michael Bialoguski
- ^ a b c Symphony, Op.23 (Voříšek, Jan Václav): Scores at the International Music Score Library Project
- ^ Culture.catch.com
External links[edit]
- Performance of the Symphony by Slovak Sinfonietta, conducted Peter Vronský, (Indian Summer in Levoča Festival, 2011), on YouTube.