I think the Sixth is Rubbra's finest achievement; a great work from the very start with that Sospiri-like first theme. Rubbra had done something like this at the beginning of the Fifth Symphony, which dear old Edgey described as one of the most beautiful pieces of Music he knew - my problem with that is as a Symphonic movement it doesn't have the dramatic and thematic "conflict" I need. Here in the Sixth, he gives us that conflict in the contrasting, carefree dancelike second theme - setting the scene for a genuine symphonic argument between a deep sorrow (that often comes close to pessimism) and a detached optimism that isn't resolved until the very end of the work. My god, there is such depth of feeling in that finale - and it could so easily (and quite successfully) have led to one of those resigned, nihilistic conclusions that permeate much "traditionally" Tonal Music written in the post-War period. But what Rubbra does is so much stronger - from the depths of resignation, the Music is reinvigorated and given a joyful energy that betokens a belief in the future which I think demonstrates a generosity of character in the composer that is both rare and admirable. I think the Sixth is Rubbra's finest achievement; a great work from the very start with that Sospiri-like first theme. Rubbra had done something like this at the beginning of the Fifth Symphony, which dear old Edgey described as one of the most beautiful pieces of Music he knew - my problem with that is as a Symphonic movement it doesn't have the dramatic and thematic "conflict" I need. Here in the Sixth, he gives us that conflict in the contrasting, carefree dancelike second theme - setting the scene for a genuine symphonic argument between a deep sorrow (that often comes close to pessimism) and a detached optimism that isn't resolved until the very end of the work. My god, there is such depth of feeling in that finale - and it could so easily (and quite successfully) have led to one of those resigned, nihilistic conclusions that permeate much "traditionally" Tonal Music written in the post-War period. But what Rubbra does is so much stronger - from the depths of resignation, the Music is reinvigorated and given a joyful energy that betokens a belief in the future which I think demonstrates a generosity of character in the composer that is both rare and admirable.
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