Symphony No.10 in F minor "In Autumn" - Joachim Raff

Bamberg Symphony Orchestra conducted by Hans Stadlmair.

I - Impressions and feelings. Allegro moderato: 0:00
II - Ghost's dance. Allegro: 9:46
III - Elegy. Adagio: 15:01
IV - The hunt. Allegro: 22:51

Raff's Symphony No.10 was composed between summer and autumn of 1879, being the third in a tetralogy of symphonies inspired by the seasons. It was premiered on November 12 of 1880, performed by the Städtlichen Orchester conducted by Louis Lüstner at Weisbaden’s Kurhaus. In 1881, dissatisfied, he revised the first movement and wrote a new third one.

The first movement is structured in a diffuse sonata form, representing the impressions and feelings as one walks in the forest in autumn. It begins with pensive and restrained main theme, which contains references to Raff's own third symphony (subtitled "in the forest"). It is followed by a more melodic second theme, if little contrasting in nature. This exposition is then fully repeated, after which the development follows. It is very subdued in nature, rich in modulations but with barely any dissonance. A firm climax is reached, followed by a straight recapitulation of the opening. After a final climax, a modest coda ends the movement.

The second movement is a very free scherzo, inspired by the fantastical creatures found, for example, in Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night’s Dream". It begins with timpani beats, leading us to the presentation of spooky main theme in form of a ghostly waltz. It is contrasted by more melodic ideas, followed by a chorale-like theme on flutes as kind of "trio". The main theme reappears, leading to a climax. References to Raff's "Dance of the Dryads" from his Symphony No.3 are present. A low-key coda ends the movement.

The third movement is written in ternary form, being the only one without an explicit description. It opens with a melancholic and nostalgic main theme, presented by strings. It gently unfolds as it passes through several instruments and combinations. The middle section consists of a lyrical and dreamy second theme introduced by cellos, soon taken by the wood in counterpoint. The music culminates in an expansive climax, leading to the recapitulation of the main theme. After a new climax, an uplifting coda ends the movement.

The fourth movement is loosely written in sonata form, each section with their own programme. It begins with a "departure" of the hunters in form of a vigorous and alpine main theme, sustained by horn calls. It is quickly developed, before a calm and lyrical second theme presents the "rest" of the hunters. The development section that follows represents the "hunt" itself. The music culminates in forceful climaxes, playing with forte-piano contrasts. The recapitulation begins as the "hunting calls" reappear. A triumphal coda signifies the success and return of the hunters.

Picture: "Wood Collector in an Autumn Forest" (1893) by the German painter Friedrich Kallmorgen

Musical analysis mostly written by myself. Sources: https://bit.ly/3QJYwsK and https://bit.ly/3GN7oJq

To check the score: https://bit.ly/3H7oiUH

Видео Symphony No.10 in F minor "In Autumn" - Joachim Raff канала Sergio Cánovas