Symphony No.2 in B minor - Joly Braga Santos

Portuguese Symphony Orchestra conducted by Álvaro Cassuto.

I - Largo - Allegro energico ed apassionato: 0:00
II - Adagio non troppo: 14:53
III - Allegretto pastorale: 27:13
IV - Lento - Allegro - Epilogo. Lento: 33:22

Braga Santos' Symphony No.2 was composed in 1947, being premiered in Lisbon by the Portuguese Radio Symphony Orchestra conducted by Pedro de Freitas Branco, to whom the work is also dedicated. As with the first one, the Symphony is largely modal in language, with the influence of Sibelius and Vaughan-Williams. It also reveals a gift for structure, highly effective orchestration and for the writing of long, flowing melodic lines.

The first movement is symmetrical in form (A-B-C-B'-A'-Coda). It begins with a slow introduction, in which the horn introduces a solemn motive over which the entire work is built. An accelerando leads us to an imposing and masculine main theme on the brass. A majestic second theme then offers adequate contrast. The middle section is very instrospective, yet expressive and lyrical as well. An accelerando leads us to the recapitulation of the main themes. A triumphal coda slowly emerges, based on the main theme, before ending the movement in a randiant blaze.

The second movement is structured in ternary form. It opens with a calm and lyrical main theme presented by flute, then taken by the orchestra in an expressive climax. The middle section consist of a highly intricate development, where we can hear the opening motive in the basses, culminating in a grand climax. The flute recapitulates the main theme, the music rises in a third climax before calming down. The coda has an ethereal quality, with lonely brass and timpani solos, creating a unique atmospherewith which the movement ends.

The third movement is a intermezzo instead of the usual scherzo. It begins with a jovial and luminous main theme of pastoral nature, introduced by the English horn. It passes to several other instruments, gradually transforming through rich sonorities. The theme is then recapitulated in its original form. After a dissonant climax, the material is repeated once again. A modest coda ends the movement gently.

The fourth movement is very free in form. It begins with a slow and meditative introduction, first dominated by strings and then woodwinds. An accelerando leads us to a very fragmented and complex allegro. Several themes and motives are presented but not developed, instead the music unfolds in a lyrical slow section. The English horn reminisces on the opening motive of the work, followed by a vigorous and dynamic fugue. The music grows intense, before it abruptly stops. The opening motive is clearly heard again on the horn, followed by a clarinet cadenza. A majestic epilogue then takes place, from a soft melodic line on strings to a glorious tutti that ends the work.

Picture: Photograph of a visual spectacle in the Carmo Convent by night.

Musical analysis partially written by myself. Source: https://rb.gy/i49ci

Unfortunately the score is not available.

Видео Symphony No.2 in B minor - Joly Braga Santos канала Sergio Cánovas