Leader, ALFRED CAVE
Conducted by LESLIE HEWARD
Dvorak's Second Symphony
The numbering of Dvorak's Symphonies is a little misleading. Actually his first three symphonies were written as early as 1874-75, but two of these were suppressed till after his death while the third was issued only in a revised form as No. 3, Op. 76 '. In the meantime Dvorak had produced his so-called First and Second (really fourth and fifth) Symphonies, Opp. 63 and 70. The Second Symphony in D minor was composed in 1883-85 for the Royal Philharmonic Society, and Dvorak came to London to conduct the first performance in April, 1885. It is a magnificent work, a finer achievement than the far better-known Fourth and Fifth (' New World ') Symphonies, though its tragic nature will always stand in the way of its popularity.
Franck's Redemption'
Franck's Prelude to the second part of Redemption, a ' Poem Symphony ', or sacred Cantata, written in 1872, expounds the idea of man's redemption from the fruits of his selfishness and anger through the influence of Christian ideals and conduct. The Prelude is a blend of graceful melodic ideas, woven with all Franck's skill and dramatic power.
From (he Kalevala
'The Return of Lemminkainen' with 'The Swan of Tuonela ' form Two Episodes from the Kalevala '. ' The Return ' is scored for full orchestra in a brilliant and stirring manner, and the tempo is extremely rapid. It is intended to describe the return of Lemminkainen from his unsuccessful expedition against Pohjola.