Karl Goldmark - Symphony No 2; Prometheus Bound; In Italien

Karl Goldmark (1830-1915): 

Symphony No 2; Prometheus Bound; In Italien

Yondani Butt | Philharmonia Orchestra

Whereas Goldmark's somewhat clichéd but highly attractive Rustic Wedding Symphony is well represented on disc, his other extant attempt at a symphony is not. Goldmark had written a symphony earlier (no.1), but only the Scherzo was published. The Rustic Wedding Symphony was written between this first attempt and the second symphony given here, but was not numbered - probably because even Goldmark himself realized it is more of a suite than a genuine symphony. In any case, the second symphony dates from 1887 and is a very fine work if hardly a masterpiece. Stylistically there are traces of Mendelssohn and Brahms, but Goldmark possessed an individual and actually relatively identifiable compositional voice (though the identifiability is probably mostly due to certain trademark turns of the phrase and his delectable writing for woodwinds).

The first movement may lack any very memorable theme but it is full of spirit and momentum, and Goldmark makes good use of the themes he have - structurally this is a pretty convincing affair. The Andante is wistful and lyrical but not without a dramatic strain and the Scherzo is delightfully fey and Mendelssohnian - I think the symphony would be very well worth getting to know were it only for that movement alone. The finale is atmospheric, joyful and colorful, and is the movement that comes closest to the Rustic Wedding Symphony in character. All in all a fine if hardly world-shattering work.

As for the couplings, Prometheus Unbound has been recorded a couple of times. It is cast very much in the style of Liszt's symphonic poems and it contains some very strong themes. Structurally, it is loose, however, and the many fine things cannot quite make up for its slightly rambling character. In Italien is pure enjoyment, however. Not a great work, it is delightfully tuneful and full of charm and color. The performances are good, well-paced and opulent though sounding a little heavy at times (surely some of the faster music needs lighter and airier textures). The sound is a little boomy as well but not really a problem. A fine release, then, recommended to anyone with even a modest affection for off-the-beaten-path romantic symphonies.

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