SCHUMANN'S "RHENISH" SYMPHONY
These are not really new files but two of the 5 movements
(third and fourth) were updated in 2001 and 2002. But because of the
different instrumental setup in each of the movements, they have been
very difficult to combine.
The subtitle "Rhenish" refers to the
area around the Rhine river and the town of Düsseldorf where the
Schumanns went in 1850 when Robert took up a position there as
conductor. This proved disastrous as Robert was hardly a competent
conductor but, at the beginning, the Symphony shows Robert's mood of
elation and possesses great energy and vitality. The Symphony has 5
movements instead of the usual 4.
The Rhenish has had an enormous influence on Brahms
especially his 3rd Symphony whose opening theme derives from the
corresponding spot and more directly from two measures Schumann used in
passing. Elgar too was much influenced by this symphony and frequently
conducted it, though he often criticized the orchestration. I have left
this alone except for the timpani in the first movement which were
really impossible as they stand. (modern timpani can easily make pitch
changes but Schumann did not have that luxury.)
The combined MIDI file is here.
The newly uploaded mp3 files are here:
first movement
second movement
third movement
fourth movement
fifth movement
