The Seventh Symphony by Spohr is scored for double orchestra, with a small orchestra of 11 instruments representing the 'divine' and the full orchestra representing the 'earthly'.
Composition History
Spohr's Seventh Symphony, subtitled 'The Earthly and Divine in Human Life', was inspired by a summer vacation to Switzerland and a visit to the Lucerne Music Festival.
Composer Biography
Louis Spohr, the composer, published nine symphonies during his lifetime, which are divided into five traditional and four programmatic works.
Critical Reception
Robert Schumann, a prominent composer and critic, praised Spohr's Seventh Symphony, calling its industry 'truly moving' and suggesting he stands as a 'shining example' among German masters.
Performer Biography
Alfred Walter, the conductor, was appointed assistant conductor to the Opera of Ravensburg in 1948 and later served as assistant to Hans Knappertsbusch and Karl Böhm at Bayreuth.
Composition History
Spohr composed his Eighth Symphony for the Philharmonic Society of London during his fourth visit to England in 1847.
Composer's Artistic Vision
The Seventh Symphony reflects Spohr's nostalgia for a lost, happy past and his distaste for contemporary musical developments and political repression.
