Langgaard – Symphonies Nos. 2 & 3

Rued Langgaard (1893-1952) was an odd, lonely figure in Danish music. His 16 symphonies make up a thought-provoking, original contribution to the history of the symphony. The two symphonies on this CD radiate youthful freshness, courage and the infectious joy of music-making. The very young Langgaard was not afraid to refer directly to ideals like Beethoven, Wagner and Richard Strauss, but his distinctively irrational features were not to be denied either. Symphony No. 2 with soprano solo is presented here for the first time in the long original version. Symphony no. 3 is a true Classical-Romantic piano concerto – with a choral section.

Symphony No. 2 Awakening of Spring, BVN 53 Original version (1912-14)*
1. Allegro con anima – Lento – Con moto – Tempo primo – Maestoso festivo alla marcia
2. Lento religioso quasi adagio
3. Molto con moto (with soprano solo)

Symphony No. 3 The Flush of Youth – La melodia, BVN 96 (1915-16, rev. 1925-33)
For piano solo, orchestra and choir
4. Poco animato festivo – Lento (Cadence) – Animato festivo (Tempo primo)
5. Grave mastoso – Lento misterioso
6. Allegro ma non troppo – Più lento – Vivace