Slipped Through the Cracks is an episode in our ongoing series of symphonic voyages. In over a decade of exploring the symphonic form, we’ve found plenty of rare gems to share with you, and in this episode, we hope that you, too, will be delighted to discover these lesser-known offerings. From the turn of the 20th century, we’ll explore symphonies by English composer Arnold Bax and the Swedish composer Hugo Alfven and then sail across the pond to hear works from the New World.
Slipped Through the Cracks: Great, Little Known Symphonies from Late 19th Century
Playlist
Episode 1
Alfven, Hugo: Svensk rapsodi nr 1, Op.19, Midsummer Vigil (excerpt)
The Royal Opera Orchestra, Stockholm/Hugo Alfvén
Hugo Alfvén Conducts Hugo Alfvén, Midsummer Vigil – The Mountain King – The Prodigal Son
Swedish Society Discofil 1003
2:17
Alfven, Hugo: Symphony No.4 in C Minor, Op. 39 – “From the Outermost Skerries,”
I. Moderato-Allegretto, ma non troppo
II. Allegro-Moderato-Allegro (excerpt)
Iceland Symphony Orchestra/Niklas Willen
ALFVEN: Symphony No. 4, Op. 39 / Festival Overture, Op. 52
Naxos 8.557284
16:01
Alfven, Hugo: Symphony No.4 in C Minor, Op. 39 – “From the Outermost Skerries,”
III. Lento-Maestoso-Molto appassionato (excerpt)
IV. Allegro agitato
Iceland Symphony Orchestra, Niklas Willen
Alfven: Symphony No. 4 – Festival Overture
Naxos 8.5572841
13:53
Alfven, Hugo: Symphony No.3 in E Major, Op. 23: Presto
Royal Scottish National Orchestra/Niklas Willen
ALFVEN: Symphony No. 3 / Legend of the Skerries
Naxos 8.553729
7:37
Alfven, Hugo: Den forlorade sonen (The Prodigal Son) Suite: VII. Final: Polska
Ireland National Symphony Orchestra/Niklas Willen
Hugo Alfvén Conducts Hugo Alfvén, Midsummer Vigil – The Mountain King – The Prodigal Son
Naxos 8.555072
2:51
Alfven, Hugo: Legend of the Skerries, Op. 20 (En Skärgårdssägen) (excerpt)
Royal Scottish National Orchestra/Niklas Willen
ALFVEN: Symphony No. 3 / Legend of the Skerries
Naxos 8.553729
11:44
Episode 2
Bax, Arnold: Symphony No.2 in E Minor and C Major – II. Andante
Malcolm Hicks, organ; London Philharmonic Orchestra/Bryden Thomson
Bax: Symphony No. 2/ Nympholet
Chandos 8493
12:46
Bax, Arnold: Symphony No.5 In C Sharp Minor: II. Poco Lento (1932)
London Philharmonic Orchestra/Raymond Leppard
Bax – Symphonies Nos. 2 & 5
Lyrita 233
10:50
Bax, Arnold: Symphony No.4 – III.Allegro-Tempo di marcia trionfale
Ulster Orchestra/Bryden Thomson
Bax: Symphony No 4 · Tintagel
Chandos 8312
10:44
Bax, Arnold: Symphony No.7 – III. Theme and Variations.
Allegro — Andante — Vivace — Epilogue. Sereno
Bryden Thomson: London Philharmonic Orchestra
Bax: Symphony No. 7/ Four Songs
CHAN 8628
14:16
Bax, Arnold: Tintagel (excerpt)
Ulster Orchestra/Bryden Thomson
Bax: Symphony No 4 · Tintagel
Chandos 8312
2:41
Episode 3
Carpenter, John Alden: Adventures In a Perambulator, “The Hurdy Gurdy”
National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine/John McLaughlin Williams
Adventures I Perambulator / Symphonies Nos. 1 And 2
Naxos 8.559065
1:49
Carpenter, John Alden: Symphony No.1; I. V.
National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine/John McLaughlin Williams
Adventures In a Perambulator / Symphonies Nos. 1 And 2
Naxos 8.559065
19:34
Antheil, George: Symphony No.4: I. Moderato, Allegretto
National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine/Kuchar
Symphonies Nos 4 & 6
Naxos – 8.559033
9:49
Antheil, George: Symphony No.4 – III. Scherzo: Presto
National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine/Kuchar
Symphonies Nos 4 & 6
Naxos – 8.559033
5:27
Antheil, George: Jazz Symphony
Michael Linville, percussion; New World Symphony Orchestra/Michael Tilson Thomas
New World Jazz
RCA Victor Red Seal – 09026-68798-2
11:53
Episode 4
Piston, Walter: Symphony No.1 – III. Allegro con fuoco
The Louisville Orchestra/Jorge Mester
Walter Piston Premiere Recordings
Soundmark Records 48122
5:37
Piston, Walter: Symphony No.2 – I. Moderato
Boston Symphony Orchestra/Michael Tilson Thomas
Violin Concerto / Symphony No. 2
DG 43103
10:40
Piston, Walter: Symphony No.2 – III. Allegro
Boston Symphony Orchestra/Michael Tilson Thomas
Violin Concerto / Symphony No. 2
DG 43103
4:53
Piston, Walter: Symphony No.4; I.II.III.IV
Eugene Ormandy: Philadelphia Orchestra
Schuman: Symphony No. 6 / Piston: Symphony No. 4
Columbia Masterworks – ML 4992
23:29
Piston, Walter: Symphony No.7 – IV. Allegro Energico
St. Louis Symphony Orchestra/Leonard Slatkin
Symphony No. 6, The Incredible Flutist, 3 New England Sketches
RCA Victor Red Seal – 60798-2-RC
3:47
Piston, Walter: Symphony No.2 – Adagio (excerpt)
Boston Symphony Orchestra/Michael Tilson Thomas
Violin Concerto / Symphony No. 2
DG 43103
2:37
Episode 5
Toch, Ernst: Symphony No. 3 II. Andante tranquillo
Pittsburgh Symphony/William Steinberg
Symphony No. 3
Capitol Records – ZF-7
5:30
Toch, Ernst: Symphony No. 3 III. Allegro
Pittsburgh Symphony/William Steinberg
Symphony No. 3
Capitol Records – ZF-7
9:18
Scott, Cyril: Symphony No. 3, “The Muses,” Mvts. 1-4
Huddersfield Choral Society; BBC Philharmonic Orchestra/Martyn Brabbins
Symphony No. 3
Capitol Records – ZF-7
34:49