Peter Maxwell Davies Symphony No.3
Programme Note by 3VS
Hello fans. Well, as ever, I learnt a new work on my holiday in South and West Wales in late September. This year it was Max 3.
It doesn’t seem as hair raising as no. 1 and 2 and the percussion is pared right down to just the Timpani. Gives the symphony a more subtle and less glamorous sound.
It seems to be more difficult to lodge in the memory than it’s predecessors. (easier than the Symphony Concerto though!) But it should be a worthwhile experience to work it all out.
The start of mvt 1 is a slow tonal like tune for flute. Gets louder and faster later on. Near the end it’s quiet then builds up, with the help of the timpani, a massive climax which suddenly collapses without warning and we are left with the flutes playing very fast.
Mvt 2 is a much more subtle scherzo compared to the in yer face ones of no.1, 6 and 7. Near the end is the customary Max slow brass. (Appears in quite a few Max Symphonies!) And the screaming Der Der!!! Which we get in the middle of symphony no.2 mvt 1.
Mvt 3 Scherzo sounds even more subtle and pared down. Sounds like a slow mvt at first until you notice the speed. It’s supposed to be looking at mvt 2 from a different angle but I’ve not been able to work out all the bits yet.
Mvt 4 is the long slow mvt. The tune of mvt 1 comes back near the end. And the Timpani has 3 fast blows rat-a tat style played twice. The symphony, like no.2, end quietly.
A few scattered thoughts from 3VS on 5 hearings.
What do you readers think?
3VS
Programme Note by 3VS
Hello fans. Well, as ever, I learnt a new work on my holiday in South and West Wales in late September. This year it was Max 3.
It doesn’t seem as hair raising as no. 1 and 2 and the percussion is pared right down to just the Timpani. Gives the symphony a more subtle and less glamorous sound.
It seems to be more difficult to lodge in the memory than it’s predecessors. (easier than the Symphony Concerto though!) But it should be a worthwhile experience to work it all out.
The start of mvt 1 is a slow tonal like tune for flute. Gets louder and faster later on. Near the end it’s quiet then builds up, with the help of the timpani, a massive climax which suddenly collapses without warning and we are left with the flutes playing very fast.
Mvt 2 is a much more subtle scherzo compared to the in yer face ones of no.1, 6 and 7. Near the end is the customary Max slow brass. (Appears in quite a few Max Symphonies!) And the screaming Der Der!!! Which we get in the middle of symphony no.2 mvt 1.
Mvt 3 Scherzo sounds even more subtle and pared down. Sounds like a slow mvt at first until you notice the speed. It’s supposed to be looking at mvt 2 from a different angle but I’ve not been able to work out all the bits yet.
Mvt 4 is the long slow mvt. The tune of mvt 1 comes back near the end. And the Timpani has 3 fast blows rat-a tat style played twice. The symphony, like no.2, end quietly.
A few scattered thoughts from 3VS on 5 hearings.
What do you readers think?
3VS
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