Giuseppe Martucci - Symphony No. 2 in F Major Op. 81 (1904)

Conducted by Franceso D'Avalos with the Philharmonia Orchestra of London.

I. Allegro Moderato - 00:00
II. Scherzo - Allegro Vivace - 14:32
III. Adagio - Ma Non Troppo - 21:08
IV. Allegro - 33:45

Although it occupied him for over five years, and is the only large-scale work of his last decade, the Second Symphony (1904) has claims to being Martucci's masterpiece. He conducted the première in Milan on 11 December 1904 and several times thereafter, but it was also taken up by Arturo Toscanini, whose advocacy was to remain unstinting. While the last two symphonies of Brahms may serve as a reference point, both the work's musical idiom and its handling of the orchestra are as personal as they are elusive.

The moderately-paced first movement begins with an expressive theme approaching as if from afar and culminating in a majestic passage for full orchestra. The second theme is more capricious in manner and features some imaginative scoring; this reaches a brief climax before the exposition is repeated in full. Second time around, the development sets in with a searching and often tonally oblique discussion of the material, before a gradual crescendo on the first theme brings a subtly varied reprise. The second theme is extended into a coda that winds down pensively before regaining impetus for a surging but not decisive close. The Scherzo opens with a repeated-note idea on horn that gives rise to a syncopated motion on upper strings and also lively exchanges between woodwind. This intensifies during a central section of no mean rhythmic subtlety, before the horn gesture heralds a return to the initial music and a conclusion that is all of a piece with the movement's unpredictable character.

The slow movement begins with a heartfelt melody on strings which draws in much of the orchestra as it increases in expressive range and depth. This is followed by an undulating theme carried initially by solo clarinet and building up to a luminous discord on strings; after which, the latter theme is made the basis of an intensive climax over rushing strings with brass to the fore. Aspects of this theme emerge before the music turns to its predecessor for a thoughtfully understated presentation that sees the movement through to its serene ending. Beginning almost nonchalantly, the finale quickly assumes a lively gait that takes in a suave theme on lower strings and woodwind as it moves toward a brief climax. These themes are further alternated as if in a perpetuum mobile, one enhanced by imitative writing between the strings, and this contrapuntal activity extends throughout the orchestra as the movement works round to the subsidiary theme. This then makes way for an extensive coda in which the underlying rhythmic motion generates a momentum that is suddenly cut short, only for elements of both themes to make a speculative reappearance as the work heads to its triumphal close.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Giuseppe
• Martucci
• Symphony
• No
• 2
• in
• F
• Major
• Op
• 81
• 1904

[sagaquisces]

This is one of the shining stars of your collection, Goldie. This has quickly become one of my all-time favorite symphonies for it's sheer "heart." A profound voice of grace and beauty.

[clarinetjo]

You can get the score at IMSLP.org

[berrik500]

@13Orcun I love specially part 2 and the low registers in part 3.

[13Orcun]

thanks, this is great

[redbrian3655]

This is GLORIOUS. This Symphony really was a pleasant surprise!!!! Thanks Omar.. BRIAN