Hans Rott - Symphony No. 1 E major, 1st movement (1880)

First Symphony by Hans Rott, one of the undeservedly most neglected composers of the 19th century.

Born 1858, friend to Gustav Mahler, harshly critizised by Brahms, died 1884 at age 25.

His astonishing first symphony, written 1878-80, anticipates a lot of Mahler's symphonic style.

Mahler über Hans Rott:

"Was die Musik an ihm verloren hat, ist gar nicht zu ermessen: zu solchem Fluge erhebt sich sein Genius schon in dieser Ersten Symphonie, die er als zwanzigjähriger Jüngling schrieb und die ihn - es ist nicht zu viel gesagt - zum Begründer der neuen Symphonie macht, wie ich sie verstehe."

Briefly: "In this work Rott founded the New Symphony in the way I understand it."

Radiosinfonieorchester Wien, Leitung: Dennis Russel Davies

Category:

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• Mahler
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• Brahms
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• Vienna

[PennnSmith]

No one is more vulnerable to criticism than a pure genius. Rott towers above all other composers. Can't you hear it? He has a home next to God. Of this I am certain. And God calls 911 to complain if the music stops at night. DEAL WITH IT.

[Rayek145]

If you are an admirer of Mahler then you, like Mahler himself, owe a debt of gratitude to Hans Rott.

Rott spent the last years of his life in a mental hospital, before finally dying of tuberculosis, on June 25, 1884. Brahms was aware of the tragedy, and may have even felt guilty. Brahms and Bruckner both attended Rott's funeral.

[auerod]

I hope to god his popularity spreads over forums like Youtube. This kind of genius cannot remain hidden much longer. What an unbelievably beautiful opening theme, kind of reminds me of Schubert's 9th. Such sublime horn playing. I cannot get over how disturbingly close the 3rd movement is to Mahler quotes this in his 2nd and 5th symphonies.

[PacRimJim]

Too much bombast.

[luckykevinful]

I Didn't know Hans Rott before,. but when i heard this piece, its like I know him already personally.

(sorry for my English, im Filipino)

[galebreeze]

I am pretty pissed of at Brahms. You look at this guys age when he composed this.. 20. You look at how many other works he has done... well, i haven't been informed of any other works but this is his FIRST SYMPHONY. and in all honestly, mozart's symphony's only started getting powerful around the symphony 20.. beethoven's 1st symphony was OKAY... but this one is like something from a well well well experienced composer... off bits in it but its promising... Brahms is a jealous tit.

[TheEternaut]

@JosephDillon57 Wise words, my friend.

[JosephDillon57]

There is gold in every man who has known the depths of suffering. Nothing so matures us as tears. Rott suffered unto death, but left us this Masterpiece.

[Jimenzkarajan]

This symphony is marvelous!!!!

[pastrychef1985]

Heard this excellent work on BBC Radio 3, Paavo Jarvi conducting. What an astounding work!!

[RWBHere]

Thank-you. I discovered this symphony today, on national radio. Youtube gives a second chance to hear it.

[MrLucianoPavarotti]

Sublime. The sound of Heaven's most glorious sunrise.