Symphony No.8 in A major "Spring Sounds" - Joachim Raff

Bamberg Symphony Orchestra conducted by Hans Stadlmair.

I - Spring's return. Allegro: 0:00
II - During Walpurgis Night. Allegro: 12:47
III - With the first bouquet of flowers. Larghetto: 19:42
IV - Wanderlust. Vivace: 27:21

Raff's Symphony No.8 was composed between summer and autumn of 1876, being the first in a tetralogy of symphonies dedicated to the four seasons. It was successfully premiered on March 15 of 1877 at Wiesbaden, his hometown. As with the previous symphony, Raff doesn't write an elaborate program, instead just a subtitle to each movement and letting the music express itself.

The first movement is written in sonata form, representing the blossoming of spring. It begins with a slow and dark introduction, representing the coldness of winter. A warm and expecting transition leads us to the main allegro. A vigorous main theme, full of energy and joy, is presented by the orchestra. It is contrasted by a more playful and light second theme. The development that follows alternates rhythmic passages with gentle ones, with barely dissonance or drama. A crescendo leads us to the recapitulation, at the end of which a fugal section takes place. A joyful coda ends the movement.

The second movement is a scherzo in ternary form, describing Walpurgis' night (April 30-May 1); in which witches hold a large celebration on the Brocken and await the arrival of spring. It opens with a diabolical dance theme, with swirls of the wood and shouts of the brass. The trio is barely melodic nor contrasting, bringing a rhythmic second theme with a certain folkloric air, presented by strings. The dance is then resumed, culminating in a wild climax. A forceful coda ends the movement.

The third movement is structured in ternary form, representing the blossoming of flowers in spring. It begins with a widely lyrical main theme, introduced by strings. It gently unfolds until culminating in an expressive climax. A more passionate second theme on cellos opens the middle section, reaching a powerful climax. The main theme is then recapitulated, followed by a tender and intimate moment. A peaceful coda ends the movement.

The fourth movement is written in sonata form, its subtitle referring to the pleasure of walking in the countryside. A cheerful and upbeat main theme is presented, rising in a grand climax quickly. It is contrasted by a playful and bouncy second theme. The development that ensues is more dramatic and dissonant, also showing Raff's contrapuntal skills. After a new climax, the recapitulation brings back the main themes. A massive coda, full of piano-forte contrasts, ends the work brilliantly.

Picture: "What Lies Within Us" (2021) by the French-American painter Mark Maggiori.

Musical analysis mostly written by myself. Source: https://bit.ly/3CO5XJF

To check the score: https://bit.ly/3CO5XJF

Видео Symphony No.8 in A major "Spring Sounds" - Joachim Raff канала Sergio Cánovas