Hartmann: Symphony no 6

Day 234

Karl Amadeus Hartmann: Symphony no 6

RIAS Symphony orchestra

Ferenc Fricsay

Hartmann remained in Bavaria during the war but managed to avoid the taint of being associated with the Nazis and after the war became one of the key figures in the revival of German music. He wrote eight symphonies and this, no 6 from 1951-3 though based in part on material dating from the 1930s, seems to be the best regarded of the eight.  It is in two movements - slow then fast. The first movement begins in what seems to be an offhand way with some bassoon 'twiddles' but gradually evolves into quite a powerful piece which builds to a strong climax. At times I found I it a bit dour, and lacking in rhythmic variety. The second is a scherzo with prominent parts for piano and percussion. Indeed the sound world was very much that of Bartók's music for strings, percussion and celeste. although ultimately it lacked the bite of Bartók's masterpiece. I thought that is was rather long for its material.

So a half welcome for this piece. I didn't feel it was a masterpiece, though I am glad that I listened to it. but ultimately I couldn't see a real distinctive tone of voice here.  I think that it may be a while before I tackle any more of his symphonies.