Rott's Symphony in E major was submitted to a composition competition, but the jury, unsympathetic to new trends, derisively laughed at its Wagnerian influences.
Notable Performances
The first performance of Rott's Symphony in E major took place in Cincinnati on March 4, 1989, conducted by Gerhard Samuel with the Cincinnati Philharmonia Orchestra.
Interpretation
During rehearsals for this recording, conductor Gerhard Samuel adjusted balances and dynamics to address issues in Rott's scoring, such as the prominent timpani and triangle parts.
Cultural Impact
Gustav Mahler, a fellow student of Rott's, greatly admired his Symphony in E major, calling him "the founder of the New Symphony as I understand it."
Composer Biography
Hans Rott, the composer, was a student of Anton Bruckner at the Vienna Conservatory, where he completed his organ studies with distinction.
Compositional Technique
Rott's Symphony in E major subverts traditional four-movement symphonic conventions, featuring a curtailed sonata-form first movement and an expanded Scherzo.
Composer Biography
Rott's mental health deteriorated, leading to his commitment to a mental hospital and a diagnosis of 'hallucinatory insanity, persecution mania' before his death from tuberculosis at age 25.
