BaL 25.02.17 - Ives: Symphony no. 2

[Bryn]

Alas, no theremin. A pity, IMO, even if it is unscripted.

Ah well, at least we have it in the BBCSO performances from 1996, even though, as you mention, it was not quite the instrument intended.

The new Davis SACD of the 2nd Orchestral Set + 3rd and 4th Symphonies arrived today. As soon as I opened the jewel case I noticed that the SACD itself has the wrong track listing printed on it. It claims tracks 1 to 3 as the 3rd Symphony, 4 to 6 and the 4th, and 4 to 10 as the 2nd Orchestral Set. At least the booklet and back insert get it right, as does the digital meta-information on the disc.

I can only comment on the 2nd Orchestral Set and opening of the 3rd Symphony so far, and indeed it's "so far, so good". I am listening in surround mode and am suitably impressed with both performance and recording.

By the way, you appear not to have reviewed this new disc yet, or have I used the wrong search criteria?

[Bryn]

Alas, no theremin. A pity, IMO, even if it is unscripted.

There's an interesting section in the survival guide for the Brodhead performing edition of the 4th which suggest the use of an ondes martenot as a substitute 'ether organ'.

[There are other informative pdf files to be read at the site that comes from.]

[jayne lee wilson]

I never found the time to listen and comment further on this but I did hear what was a disappointing, more pre-conceived than usual (around Bernstein and MTT) BaL on Ives 2.

One detail: ES criticised Schermerhorn for being inexpressively swift through the third idea (but 2nd-subject-like) "where o where are the pea-green fishermen" tune in the 2nd movement but failed to mention that Schermerhorn, following the Elkus edition, is repeating the exposition so would scarcely serve the music well by wallowing in heavy nostalgia. He eases in and out of this passage with a lovely slow rubato anyway - doesn't sound inexpressive to me, more lifted and refreshed.

I couldn't choose a favourite myself though - it would be between Bernstein '58, Schermerhorn and Morlot.