- 2012 Grammy Nomination: Best Orchestral Performance
We're taking another journey into the realm of classical. Unfortunately, it's also one I'm stuck with only samples of, so we'll have to muddle through and hope that the bits we get are good enough to make an impression.
"Symphony No. 1, Op. 4: I. Allegro assai" is just as its name imply: uptempo and moving. While I only got to hear about thirty seconds, it was enough of a surprise right off the bat to make me almost buy the album right there and then. There was no slow lead in - it was all just a glorious mixture of classical sound.
The following track is "Symphony No. 1, Op. 4: II. Larghetto," the second movement of the first symphony. Read the title: Larghetto. It sounds like a slow song from the streets. The actual music is, of course, beautiful, and probably more from the streets of Paris than those of Harlem. A flute takes the lead and plays along with a surprisingly happy tone in the bit I got to experience.
"Symphony No. 1, Op 4: III. Finale: Allegro con brio" is not a great pasta dish as that name implies at 2:30a. It is instead the cap to the three-part symphony with the same fierce movement as the start and then some. Notes are chasing each other to what I can only imagine to be some triumphant ending.
We move on to the second symphony with "Symphony No. 2, Op. 31: I. Moderato." Unfortunately on this one, I get a quick 30 seconds of low tones and a haunting entrance. If this is what the entire song is like, then it's an interesting piece to start a new symphony. It's as if we're entering the dark woods.
"Symphony No. 2, Op. 31: II. Lento" has just a touch more hope in its searching trumpet lead, but remains slow and moves with caution. Seriously, try making up a story all your own to classical music - it's really a trip, and brings so much more than usual to the experience.
Moving on, we're going into "Symphony No. 2, Op 31: III. Allegro scherzando, ma moderato." As the name implies, things pick up and the search gets faster and more exciting. The upper-register instruments are gorgeously playing like the wind and running nymphs, and the lower ones are like fast footsteps. It really is a modern-sounding take on the music of the time.
"Symphony No. 2, Op. 31: IV. Finale: Grave" is the final one up, and definitely has a finality sound within it. Things are coming to a close, albeit an exciting one where something is achieved at the end.
Added to My Playlist:
- "Symphony No. 1, Op. 4: I. Allegro assai"
- "Symphony No. 1, Op. 4: III. Finale: Alegro con brio"
Classical music is always tough but interesting to review. At first approach, I sort of just listen to it for the appeal of music's sake. But as I venture in, there are stories to be heard, depth to be traveled. While this one was only able to be heard 30 seconds at a time, it was still heard, and enjoyed in the bits it could be.