The imposing nature and sweeping expressive range of Joachim Raff’s Fifth Symphony has seen it become one of his most popular works in the genre. Its subtitle ‘Lenore’ refers to a lurid and macabre poem by Gottfried August Bürger in which the forlorn heroine forsakes God to join her dead lover on a wild ride through an ultimately horrific night. With its delicately scored and touching love music, celebrated march and brutal finale, this is a spirited and memorable symphony. The overture Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott uses Martin Luther’s famous melody to commemorate the drama of the Thirty Years’ War.
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Reviews
“… warmly recommended …”
Paul L Althouse – American Record Guide – January/February 2024
"... Raff's 'Lenore' Fifth Symphony of 1872 has a story to tell, and does so with immense character and melodic charm. It is winningly performed here, as is his Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott Overture." ****
Jeremy Pound – BBC Music magazine (Brief Notes) – November 2023
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