Dvořák aimed to prove with his Seventh Symphony that he could write first-class symphonic music without relying overtly on indigenous Czech folk themes.
Composition History
Dvořák's Symphony No. 7 was commissioned by the London Philharmonic Society in 1884, at a time when the composer's career was at a crossroads.
Performer Biography
Edward Gardner, the conductor on this album, has been Principal Conductor of the London Philharmonic Orchestra since 2021 and also serves as Music Director of the Norwegian Opera & Ballet.
Recording & Production
This album is Edward Gardner's fifth release on the LPO Label, with a previous recording of Tippett's The Midsummer Marriage winning a 2023 Gramophone Award.
Compositional Technique
Schumann's Symphony No. 2 includes a near-quotation from Beethoven's song cycle An die ferne Geliebte, which Schumann used as an offering of thanks to his wife Clara.
Composer Biography
Schumann composed his Symphony No. 2 during a period of recovery from a severe, paralyzing depression he experienced in 1844.
Compositional Technique
Dvořák's Symphony No. 7, his first symphony in a minor key, was influenced by Brahms's Third Symphony, particularly in its taut, concise structure and radiant horn solos.
