Schmidt: Symphony no 4

Day 233

Franz Schmidt: Symphony no 4

BBC National Orchestra of Wales

Jonathan Berman

After the, frankly not very interesting, series of baroque concerti I am moving on to something more challenging - 20th century Austro-German symphonies - particular those from the first half of the century. This is of course a fascinating period in musical history. Few German or Austrian composers were unaffected by the terrible events of the Nazi era and whatever side they took - and the debates on what precisely some of these individuals actually did never ceases - what happened had a profound effect on them and their music. At the same time you had the development of modernism in 20th century music being pitted against the forces of conservatism.

Franz Schmidt (1874-1939 was one of the leading composers in the earlier part of the century. The Nazis latched on to him as a composer of nationalistic work, particularly his oratorio The Book of the Seven Seals. There is real doubt about his true views on the Nazis and he was known to assist Jewish musicians. On the other hand this symphony is dedicated to Oswald Kabasta, who was undoubtedly a fervent Nazi supporter.

The 4th symphony is a late work - it was written in 1933 and first performed the following year. It is a substantial piece lasting about 45 minutes in four movements played without a break.  I think that I may have heard the very beginning before - it starts with a long solo trumpet melody - but otherwise this was new to me.

I found it compelling listening and understood why it is held is such high regard by many commentators. There is a real sense of symphonic development throughout the piece and some highly expressive lyrical moments. The style is very conservative for a work of the mid 1930s. Bruckner is the obvious influence both in the shape of the thematic material and the gradual way that it unfolds. The harmonic language is slightly more advanced than you find in late Bruckner, but not by much. The world of Strauss and Mahler, so say nothing of Stravinsky or Schöenberg might as well never have existed. 

There was so much to enjoy and savour in this music - it was a real find for me. There are 3 other symphonies and an important opera, Notre Dame, to explore as well as The Book of the Seven Seals. I look forward to making their acquaintance.