Like nineteenth century Austrian composer Anton Bruckner, twentieth century English composer Edmund Rubbra specialized in contrapuntal symphonies -- all of which, one way or another, are dedicated to God. Unlike Bruckner's symphonies, which come in only the standard four-movement structure, however, Rubbra's symphonies come in many different shapes and sizes. Of the two symphonies on this disc, while the Sixth is in the standard four-movement fast -- slow -- scherzo -- fast form, the Eighth is in an unusual three-movement ...
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Like nineteenth century Austrian composer Anton Bruckner, twentieth century English composer Edmund Rubbra specialized in contrapuntal symphonies -- all of which, one way or another, are dedicated to God. Unlike Bruckner's symphonies, which come in only the standard four-movement structure, however, Rubbra's symphonies come in many different shapes and sizes. Of the two symphonies on this disc, while the Sixth is in the standard four-movement fast -- slow -- scherzo -- fast form, the Eighth is in an unusual three-movement form arranged slow -- fast -- slow. But beyond structure, Rubbra's symphonies differ from Bruckner's because they all have brightly glowing colors and compelling dramatic constructions. Brilliantly performed here by the Philharmonia Orchestra under Norman del Mar, both symphonies are examples of Rubbra at his best. The Sixth is a completely convincing work of formidable drive and amazing power. And the Eighth is even better: dedicated to Catholic theologian Teilhard de Chardin, the...
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