Bournemouth Municipal Orchestra
(Led by Marie Wilson)
Conductor, Rudolf Schwarz

The title of Mendelssohn's Overture is somewhat misleading. Inspired by a pair of contrasted poems by Goethe, it reflects conditions in the days of sailing ships, when an entirely calm sea was a source of anxiety to the mariner, who had to wait for the wind to stir before his voyage became prosperous. The Overture is not often heard, though a phrase from it is familiar, since it is quoted by Elgar in his 'Enigma' Variations, in the Romanza dedicated to a lady who was on a sea voyage at the time of its composition.

Dvorak's Symphony in G was first performed in Prague in February 1890. Two months later it was played in London; and in the following year at Cambridge, when Dvorak received the honorary degree of Doctor of Music. It was also published in this country instead of in Germany. In view of these associations it became known as the 'English' Symphony: a singularly unsuitable title. Even in the 'New World,' written four years later, there are passages which show that Dvorak had by no means forgotten his native land; in the Symphony in G he was clearly thinking of no other. The work, says a Czech writer, 'is a simple lyric, singing of the beauty of our country for the heart's consolation.' And how enchanting are the melodies it sings! (Harold Rutland)