Bax: Symphony No. 2; November Woods

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Music reviews of Bax: Symphony No. 2; November Woods

Music Review: Compelling, passionate performances.
Rating: 5 Stars

The Second Symphony is of a greater intensity & darkness than its predecessor: a work of upmost anguish & pessimism with a sense of comtemplation at the final bars. Even though there is a period of bright moments in the second movement, that is quickly overcome by a powerful climax that gave the movement the remaining moments the premonition of the lack of hope for a better, secured life. That lack of hope remains intacked for the rest of the symphony.

"November Woods" of 1917 is one of Bax's most evocative symphonic poems. The troubles in Ireland did not leave the composer's mind when he wrote the wrok. It has a mystical beginnning before passion & drama take over briefly. The music thereafter is gentle yet rough in spots until the mystical theme re-appears but with different instrumentation. A quiet end to the work maintained the its mysteriousness.

The Second Symphony have been recorded in two occasions before this one under Naxos. Myer Fredman with the London Philharmonic Orchestra recorded the work under Lyrita LP by 1971 (and the recording is still in LP form). With the same orchestra, Bryden Thomson recorded this symphony under Chandos Recording Company by 1986. In terms of approaceability, tempo, passion, and emotional thrust, David Lloyd-Jones with the Royal Scottish National Orcheatra leans more toward Fredman. Both Fredman & Lloyd-Jones brought out the ruggedness of the work more effectively than did Thomson, who was more meticulous & grandeur in his overall reading of the score. Thomson, however, was no less passionate in his readings & his sense of refinement slightly outshine the abovementioned rivals. Also, the always atmospheric Chandos recording give more life to the sound than did the Naxos recording. The tam tam, cymbal clashes & the organ sound more fuller & alive in Chandos than in Naxos & the winds of the Royal Scottish played slightly out of tune in a couple of places.

"November Woods" was also recorded twice before the present Naxos recording. Sir Adrian Boult & the London Symphony recorded the work under Lyrita (re-issued into CD format) & Bryden Thomson recorded the work with the Ulster Orchestra (in Belfast, Ireland) under Chandos. Of the three recordings currently available, Sir Adrian Boult's recording outshined the other two in passion & excitement, with somewhat a greater sense of urgency & depictions. Lloyd-Jones performed with conviction & the same level of ruggedness as for the Second Symphony. The First prize, however, must go to Boult, with Thomson & Lloyd-Jones as close runner-ups.

Naxos recordings are improving during the past few years, although some of the orchestras featured played in levels othan than first-rate. The Royal Scottish National Orchestra, however, played consistently first-rate, even under the helm of Sir Alexander Gibson & Neemi Jarvi. I look forward to more installments featuring Bax's works with the same artists under the same recording company with the affordable price.

Recommended!!

Description of Bax: Symphony No. 2; November Woods

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