Franz Lachner - Symphony No. 6 in D Major, Op. 56 - Part 2 - ( 1837 )

Описание: Franz Lachner: A Life in Music and His Symphony No. 6 in D Major, Op. 56

Franz Paul Lachner (1803–1890), a German Romantic composer and conductor, preserved Classical structural integrity and melodic elegance while embracing early Romantic warmth and expressiveness. Born in Rain am Lech, Bavaria, he trained under his organist father before studying in Munich and relocating to Vienna in 1823. There, he served as organist at the Protestant Church, befriended Franz Schubert (whose lyrical influence is evident throughout his output), and advanced to Kapellmeister at the Kärntnertortheater. In 1836, he became Generalmusikdirektor in Munich, championing Beethoven, Haydn, and Mozart while participating in chamber music as a cellist. His conservative aesthetic—favoring counterpoint, form, and emotional restraint—earned acclaim from Schumann and Mendelssohn but later conflicted with Wagner's progressive ideals, resulting in his 1868 dismissal from the Bavarian court.
Lachner's eight symphonies (1828–1851) form the cornerstone of his orchestral legacy, with No. 6 as a mature highlight from his Munich period. Composed in 1837 (age 34), it was premiered in Munich on 19 April 1837 under the composer's direction and published that same year by Tobias Haslinger in Vienna (Plate T.H. 7338). Dedicated to the Conservatoire de Paris in some editions, it is scored for full orchestra (piccolo, 2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons, 4 horns, 2 trumpets, 3 trombones, timpani, strings) and lasts approximately 44–45 minutes—a substantial, optimistic work in the bright, heroic key of D major.
The four movements are:

I. Allegro non troppo — A spacious, sonata-form opener with vibrant, attractive themes and stern yet appealing ideas. The movement builds through development and a recapitulation that is not fully conventional, creating dramatic interest and orchestral brilliance.
II. Andante — A lyrical, flowing slow movement with song-like melodies and gentle modulations. Winds and strings exchange tender, expressive lines, offering introspective warmth and Schubertian beauty amid the symphony's overall energy.
III. Scherzo: Allegro assai — A brisk, energetic scherzo with relentless momentum and a contrasting trio for lightness. It highlights rhythmic vitality, string agility, and playful contrasts, maintaining Classical poise with Romantic flair.
IV. Finale: Allegro con brio — A spirited, rondo-like close with rhythmic urgency, thematic recall, and triumphant resolution. It builds to an affirmative, uplifting finish, blending drama with structural clarity.

Composed during Lachner's stable Munich years, Op. 56 was highly praised at its premiere and initial performances (Munich press called it a "masterwork"), with immediate publication and repeat performances in Germany. It reflects his mastery—bold yet refined, optimistic in D major, with forward-looking elements that anticipate later Romantics.
Lachner retired quietly in Munich, composing sporadically until his death on January 20, 1890, at age 86. Symphony No. 6, long neglected, received its world premiere commercial recording in 2021 on cpo 555 210-2 by the Evergreen Symphony Orchestra under Gernot Schmalfuss (Taipei sessions), paired with the Bassoon Concertino in E-flat major, Op. 23 (soloist Chia-Hua Hsu). This release (duration ~44 minutes for the symphony) is acclaimed for its warmth, detail, and commitment (reviews on MusicWeb International and Classical Explorer praise the orchestra's playing and the work's irresistible qualities). Full symphony is on YouTube (e.g., complete upload with timestamps: Allegro non troppo at 0:00, Andante at 15:23, Scherzo at ~23:35, Finale at 34:21) and streaming (Spotify, Apple Music Classical, IDAGIO, Qobuz).
Scores (full orchestral manuscript and piano duet reduction) are digitized on IMSLP (search "Symphony No.6, Op.56 (Lachner, Franz Paul)"). Op. 56 stands as one of Lachner's symphonic peaks: energetic, melodic, and unjustly overlooked—a testament to a composer who fused Classical tradition with Romantic optimism and enduring appeal.