Arthur Honegger's main considerations for his symphonies included strictness of form, characteristic themes to engage the listener, and expressing his thoughts through music without a specific program.
Historical Context
Arthur Honegger began composing his Symphony No. 2 during World War II, feeling dispirited by the "sad events" of the war's outbreak in 1939.
Performer Biography
Dennis Russell Davies, the conductor on this album, is known for his broad repertoire with a strong emphasis on modern music and has collaborated closely with composers like Philip Glass and Arvo Pärt.
Composer Biography
Arthur Honegger composed his Symphony No. 2 during the winter of 1941, recalling that his large studio was very icy due to a lack of coal.
Compositional Technique
Arthur Honegger's Symphony No. 2 for strings includes an 'ad libitum' trumpet part, which can be replaced by an oboe or clarinet, primarily to support the melody of the first violins.
Compositional Technique
Arthur Honegger's Symphony No. 4, subtitled 'Deliciae Basiliensis', incorporates the old Basel folk-song 'Z'Basel an mi'm Rhi' and the theme of the 'Basler Morgenstraich'.
Composition History
Both of Arthur Honegger's symphonies on this album, Symphony No. 2 and Symphony No. 4, were commissioned by Paul Sacher, a Swiss conductor and patron.
