Godard: Orchestral Works

Featuring

David Reiland
Münchner Rundfunkorchester
Benjamin Godard

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Compositional Technique

Godard's works titled 'symphony' often have five movements and are more akin to orchestral suites, a naming choice influenced by the higher prestige associated with the term 'symphony'.

Historical Context

Contrary to common belief, French composers in the 19th century maintained a strong interest in symphonic writing, with the 1870s and 80s seeing a shift in perception and a rise in instrumental music.

Compositional Technique

Godard's Symphonie gothique uses an archaic element, typically an ancient musical mode, in its first and third movements, a characteristic also found in other 'Gothic' works of the period.

Recording & Production

This album is a collaboration between Palazzetto Bru Zane, an organization dedicated to rediscovering French romantic music, and the Munich Radio Orchestra.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Godard's orchestral writing, while influenced by Mendelssohn and Schumann, also shows an awareness of modern practices, including the use of four bassoons, varied horn tunings, cornets, and three trombones, suggesting he studied Berlioz's Traité d'orchestration.

Composer Biography

Benjamin Godard's symphonic output is notable for its sheer volume and originality, especially in an era where composers often focused on creating a single, unique score.

Critical Reception

Godard's Symphony op. 57 received mixed reactions from critics; some praised his mastery of orchestral writing, while others found the instrumentation 'somewhat awkward and complex,' a criticism also leveled at Schumann's symphonies.