Charles Gounod - Symphony No. 2 in E Flat (1855)

Symphony No. 2 by Charles Gounod. Conducted by Patrick Gallois with the Sinfonia Finlandia Jyvaskyla.

I. Adagio - Allegro Agitato - 00:00
II. Larghetto - Non Troppo - 12:30
III. Scherzo - Allegro Molto - 21:52
IV. Finale - Allegro - Leggiero Assai - 29:22

The Symphony in E flat major starts with an Adagio introduction, followed by a cheerful sonata-form Allegro agitato, the classical form presented with French clarity and precision. There is something initially ominous about the central development before the themes of the exposition emerge, to be heard in fuller form in the final recapitulation. The hymn-like B flat major Larghetto slowly unfolds, leading to a central passage of jauntier, dotted rhythms, after which the first theme returns, with an accompanying first violin counterpoint, later taken up by violas and cellos, as the violins take charge of the melody. There is something of Beethoven about the G minor Scherzo, and the contrasting G major Trio duly finds a place for woodwind instruments. There is a light-opera elegance about the Finale, with its delicate first subject entrusted to the first violins and the second to the woodwind. The traditional form leads to a triumphantly emphatic conclusion.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Charles
• Gounod
• Symphony
• No
• 2
• in
• E
• Flat
• 1855

[MrJosemannuel]

Very inspired simphony, i'll keep it in my soul forever.