William Schuman (1910-1992)

[Karl Henning]

Shhh, you're thinking too loud. 

Is that an indication to a change in style with Schuman's compositions?

Well, that were the question, indeed, Greg of the Sock Monkey. I want to listen to Song for Orpheus and to the rest of the symphonies before attempting an intelligent answer.

[Karl Henning]

I cannot say that I personally find much in Schuman's 6th, 7th, 8th or 9th symphonies which could be described as "optimistic".

But then, we're not looking for optimism in the Ninth, are we, Colin? : )

[Dundonnell]

But then, we're not looking for optimism in the Ninth, are we, Colin? : )

Indeed not

[Mirror Image]

The Maazel performance of the Schuman 7th is a good one. Say what you like about Maazel-and many have - he was prepared, at least when he was a bit younger, to perform some American music. The issue today seems to be that few conductors at the helm of American orchestras appear to be interested in the music of Schuman, Piston, Diamond etc.
Perhaps JoAnn Falletta in Buffalo might take up the banner, or David Allan Miller in Albany-he has certainly shown a lot of interest in American composers of that generation.

I cannot say that I personally find much in Schuman's 6th, 7th, 8th or 9th symphonies which could be described as "optimistic". Powerful, eloquent, sombre, grim, tragic, violent.....yes, all of these but the bracing optimism of the early Schuman does not really reaappear for me until his 10th symphony, a somewhat unsuccessful return to aspects of the earlier style.

The 9th and 10th are the only Schuman symphonies that give me problems right now. The 9th especially because of it's almost unrelenting gloom, but I'm going to try it again later one tonight and see how things go this time around.

It's good to hear the Maazel performance of the 7th is good because I bought it today. The Balada Steel Symphony should be a nice little bonus.

[Mirror Image]

This is a disc I've seen many times in years past, and I've enjoyed many of Bernstein's American-born composer recordings on Sony.

BUY IT!!! COME ON!!!! YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO!!!

[Karl Henning]

The 9th especially because of [its] almost unrelenting gloom . . . .

Well it is elegiac music, because of the historical reference.

[Mirror Image]

Well it is elegiac music, because of the historical reference.

Yes, I know, Karl, but that still doesn't help matters. It's the music itself that I'm still struggling with. It's still a fascinating work though but it's just a tough nut for me to crack right now.

[Mirror Image]

I'm listening to Schuman's VC right now (w/ McDuffie/Slatkin) and I see what Erato means by tough, turbo charged passages and then those subsiding for something more lyrical. I'm enjoying it very much.

[eyeresist]

One thing that I enjoy about Schuman's music is that unlike Harris, Barber, or Copland, there is a darkness that runs deep through his music

I'd say there's plenty of darkness in Barber. Maybe not "darkness" in the Nietschean sense, but constant underlying melancholia.

[Mirror Image]

I'd say there's plenty of darkness in Barber. Maybe not "darkness" in the Nietschean sense, but constant underlying melancholia.

Yes, I suppose you are right. There's certainly a sadness in Barber's music.

[Mirror Image]

Schuman fans check this out when you have the time:

http://www.youtube.com/v/ZRPHGUrHjAo&feature=fvst

I didn't watch all of this video but it contained some interesting information.

[pjme]

Indeed interesting. I stumbled on it a couple of days ago- actually while searching for Maurice Abravanel's version ( with the Utah SO) of that 7th symphony.






P.

[Scion7]

That Turnabout LP looks interesting.  I bet the surface of the vinyl is probably a minefield?

[Dundonnell]

Thanks very much for the link to the lecture on the Schuman 7th   Extremely interesting.

I do hope that Professor Swayne is correct in his assertion that some day Schuman will be recognised as the major American symphonist (although I do happen to think that Piston,
Diamond and Mennin have equal claims ). He goes on to point out however that Slatkin was conducting the 3rd symphony at the Julliard School in preference to the 6th, 7th or 8th. Schuman is much less of a "one symphony composer" than, say, Roy Harris

[Karl Henning]

Oh, Schuman is not a one-symphony composer, at all!

[Mirror Image]

Thanks very much for the link to the lecture on the Schuman 7th   Extremely interesting.

I do hope that Professor Swayne is correct in his assertion that some day Schuman will be recognised as the major American symphonist (although I do happen to think that Piston,
Diamond and Mennin have equal claims ). He goes on to point out however that Slatkin was conducting the 3rd symphony at the Julliard School in preference to the 6th, 7th or 8th. Schuman is much less of a "one symphony composer" than, say, Roy Harris

You're welcome. I did finally finish the video and I found many of Swayne's commentary interesting. I particularly enjoyed the letters he wrote to other people. This always reveals so much about a person.

[pjme]

That Turnabout LP looks interesting.  I bet the surface of the vinyl is probably a minefield?

yes, but the cd (same performance/ can be bought via Amazon from ca 5 dollar) should be OK.
I will try anyway.
P.

[snyprrr]

Indeed interesting. I stumbled on it a couple of days ago- actually while searching for Maurice Abravanel's version ( with the Utah SO) of that 7th symphony.






P.

I find it better than the NewWorld disc.

[Mirror Image]

I'm enjoying Schuman's 9th a lot more now. That last movement is eerily beautiful. Very expressive music.

[Mirror Image]

I find it better than the NewWorld disc.

In what way? I heard Maazel smoked the 7th symphony.