John Marsh - Conversation Symphony 1/3

Conversation Symphony for Two Orchestras in Eb major (1778)
John Marsh

I. Allegro Maestoso

First Orchestra:
Violino Primo
Violino Secondo
Oboes
Basso Primo e Fagotto

Second Orchestra:
Viola Prima
Viola Seconda
Corni
Basso Secondo e Contra Basso

Tutti:
Tympani
Violoncello Principale e Cembalo

Matthias Bamert
The London Mozart Players

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Marsh
• John
• Symphony
• Sinfonie
• Conversation
• Orchestra
• Classical
• Matthias
• Bamert
• London
• Mozart
• Players

[egapnala65]

There seems to be a lack of John Hebden on here. Are you planning to remedy this?

I think I have some Concertos for two Orchestras by Vivaldi somewhere here.

[TheCrazyCello]

Mainly because there's a lack of surviving John Hebden MSS unfortunately :( I've only come across one out of print recording of his 6 concertos, which I don't own. £20 for a second hand recording on modern instruments was a bit steep...

[egapnala65]

Oh, is that the Cantilena/Chandos issue?

I shall have to have a word with my second hand dealer. He sold me it for £2.

Sadly, I have neither the technology or knowhow to download it onto here.

[TheCrazyCello]

Indeed it is, £2 is a bargain! Amazon have some second hand copies selling at £45. His only other extant works are some woodwind solos which have yet to be recorded (if ever).

[egapnala65]

Intiguing. Spohr's 7th Symphony also uses 2 orchestras. Seems to have quite a tradition to it.

[TheCrazyCello]

Yes, J.C. Bach wrote probably the earliest "Conversation Symphonies" literally using two complete orchestras. Many composers, including Marsh modelled theirs on this form... but more subtley Marsh divides one orchestra into two parts, pitting high instruments again low which is something I don't think has been done before or since.

[WolfgangAmadeusBach]

@SovereignChancellor My thoughts exactly, though I could not have put it better than you have. :)

[SovereignChancellor]

This first movement is exquisite, elegant and simply fantastic! It is proud, colourful and intelligent - it reminds me of one who has conquered life and stands triumphant!