Howard Hanson (1896-1981)

[Archaic Torso of Apollo]

So, is the 6th the way to go?

Quite possibly. Here's an intriguing discussion of the 6th:

http://unsungsymphonies.blogspot.com/2010/09/middle-america-has-given-us-two-great.html

I've also ordered an obscure LP of it, conducted by a certain Siegfried Landau.

[pencils]

Having only ever had access to the first two symphonies, I have procured a digital copy of the entire set. I love 1 & 2, so am looking forward to listening my way through the lot.

Small pleasures, but I am delighted. Just thought I would share 

[snyprrr]

Having only ever had access to the first two symphonies, I have procured a digital copy of the entire set. I love 1 & 2, so am looking forward to listening my way through the lot.

Small pleasures, but I am delighted. Just thought I would share 

Detailed Report Required

[Archaic Torso of Apollo]

The 6th Symphony turns out to be tighter, less fluffy, and slightly more modernistic in tone than the others I've heard. Probably the most impressive of his symphonies. That said, there is a certain Quixotic appeal to Hanson's more reactionary effusions.

[Karl Henning]

I've listened to n^os. 5 & 6, so far, and I like them very well, much better (honestly) than ever I thought I should enjoy a Hanson piece.

[springrite]

I've listened to n^os. 5 & 6, so far, and I like them very well, much better (honestly) than ever I thought I should enjoy a Hanson piece.

My thoughts exactly.

[San Antone]

Hanson is a composer that while I realize I should have listened to more, nevertheless, I have not focused on his music much.  Today I am listening to No. 6 and, so far, finding it very enjoyable.

No. 5 will be next, or No. 7.

[snyprrr]

I've listened to n^os. 5 & 6, so far, and I like them very well, much better (honestly) than ever I thought I should enjoy a Hanson piece.

Is it downhill from here? I await detailed reports.

[pencils]

I'm not sure I could do much justice, to be honest. I can probably tell you what I like, though

[cilgwyn]

Love 'em all meeself! Even the  Seventh,now,which I didn't previously like.

[Karl Henning]

Love 'em all meeself! Even the  Seventh,now,which I didn't previously like.

Could you say more on that transition?

[snyprrr]

Could you say more on that transition?

Yes, we need to know WHY?!?!?!

[snyprrr]

Parts of Symphony No.2 in the end credits to Alien (1979)?

[Karl Henning]

Yes, and I think Hanson's music was uncredited in the initial release of the film (our Bogey would know better, and for certain).

[kyjo]

It's about time this thread is resurrected, methinks. Hanson is a composer who too many people talk trash about. He wasn't an innovator, he didn't aim to create the most nails-on-the-chalkboard sounds ever heard, he didn't aim to please the snobbish critics-he just wrote music from the heart, plain and simple. Apart from his Symphony no. 2 Romantic, which has deserved popularity, little of his output is known to the average classical listener, and that's a real shame. His seven symphonies, which form the backbone of his output, are all deeply stirring works (with the possible exception of the Seventh). Nos. 3-5, especially, are all at least on the level of no. 2. No. 3 is a sweepingly romantic work in the vein of no.2. Nos. 4 and 5 are turbulent works with moments of spiritual repose that completely invalidate any arguments that Hanson was a sentimental lightweight. The influence of Sibelius can be heard in all of Hanson's works (especially Symphony no. 1), to varying degrees, but hey, Sibelius isn't a bad influence, that's for sure! I love a lot of his non-symphonic works too, especially the vividly atmospheric Bold Island Suite, the lyrical, tuneful Merry Mount Suite (which boasts a soaringly beautiful Love Duet), and the Variations on Two Ancient Hymn Tunes for strings, which was wonderfully rich string writing that recalls RVW. I've also found much to enjoy in his comparatively small chamber and solo piano outputs. These are my top five favorite Hanson recordings (in order):

1.

Kunzel, mainly known as a "pops" conductor, is, perhaps surprisingly, right in his element in Hanson. This disc is worth purchasing on the sole basis of that it is the only recording of the stunningly gorgeous Bold Island Suite. Everything is passionately done, making this my favorite Hanson disc. On top of all that, you get the glorious Telarc sound!

2.

Schwarz and the Seattle SO pour their hearts into these three highly emotional works.

3.

Symphony no. 4 and Lament for Beowulf are both dark works, with which the lighter but not inconsequential Merry Mount Suite contrasts excellently. Again, Schwarz and his band give their all.

4.

Excellent performances of two overlooked symphonies and the delightful Fantasy Variations on a Theme of Youth.

5.

Schermerhorn is a really underrated conductor and the Nashville SO is a really underrated orchestra who give Schwarz a run for his money in Symphony no. 1 and the Merry Mount Suite. The two rarely-heard "fillers", the atmospheric, Bax-meets-Sibelius tone poem Pan and the Priest and the lushly modal Rhythmic Variations on Two Ancient Hymn Tunes for strings are alone worth the modest price of admission.

What are everyone else's favorite Hanson works and recordings?

[vandermolen]

Totally agree with you about Bold Island Suite - classic Hanson. I don't understand why it was never recorded before. That Kunzel CD is indeed one of the great Hanson discs, also due to a terrific performance of Symphony No 2. I also like the Slatkin recording on EMI. The other great recording is by Charles Gerhardt on a CD called 'Great American Composers' on the Chesky label. Koussevitsky's recording of Symphony No 3 (Dutton) is in a class of its own.

However, I think that best of all is the Naxos CD with symphonies 4 and 5, the Elegy for Koussevitsky and the wonderfully moving 'Dies Natalis' which was not included in the Delos box set but issued subsequently. The Elegy is one of Hanson's most moving works, in which he seems to want to summon up the spirit of his old friend Koussevitsky. 'Dies Natalis' is also classic Hanson. So, that is my favourite Hanson CD of the moment.

[kyjo]

Totally agree with you about Bold Island Suite - classic Hanson. I don't understand why it was never recorded before. That Kunzel CD is indeed one of the great Hanson discs, also due to a terrific performance of Symphony No 2. I also like the Slatkin recording on EMI. The other great recording is by Charles Gerhardt on a CD called 'Great American Composers' on the Chesky label. Koussevitsky's recording of Symphony No 3 (Dutton) is in a class of its own.

However, I think that best of all is the Naxos CD with symphonies 4 and 5, the Elegy for Koussevitsky and the wonderfully moving 'Dies Natalis' which was not included in the Delos box set but issued subsequently. The Elegy is one of Hanson's most moving works, in which he seems to want to summon up the spirit of his old friend Koussevitsky. 'Dies Natalis' is also classic Hanson. So, that is my favourite Hanson CD of the moment.

Thanks for your reply, Jeffrey. It was difficult to choose just five favorite Hanson recordings and the discs you mention are all very fine indeed. Have you heard his piano works or his String Quartet? They're lovely works that show Hanson was adept at writing for media other than the orchestra. I have these excellent recordings:

   

The two string quartets by Randall Thompson with which the Hanson is suitably coupled are both very engaging, freshly lyrical pieces.

[Mirror Image]

The two string quartets by Randall Thompson with which the Hanson is suitably coupled are both very engaging, freshly lyrical pieces.

Not to hijack this thread, but I would love to hear some more modern performances of Thompson's symphonies. The ones on Koch just aren't sufficient enough and too bad Bernstein didn't record the rest of them.

[kyjo]

Not to hijack this thread, but I would love to hear some more modern performances of Thompson's symphonies. The ones on Koch just aren't sufficient enough and too bad Bernstein didn't record the rest of them.

I feel you, John. There's a lot of American composers who I wish Bernstein had recorded more of, Thompson being one of them. His symphonies are life-affirming works which have that special open-air feel which characterizes a lot of American music written at the time, but there's nothing overdone or trite in them. They feel so "fresh" compared to, say, Roy Harris' lesser works. Back to the thread topic, what do you think of Hanson's music, John?

[Mirror Image]

I feel you, John. There's a lot of American composers who I wish Bernstein had recorded more of, Thompson being one of them. His symphonies are life-affirming works which have that special open-air feel which characterizes a lot of American music written at the time, but there's nothing overdone or trite in them. They feel so "fresh" compared to, say, Roy Harris' lesser works. Back to the thread topic, what do you think of Hanson's music, John?

Unfortunately, I don't think much of Hanson's music. I own several of the Schwarz recordings, but found the music particularly unmemorable, but probably need to plan a revisit as it's been several years since I've listened to any of his music.