Symphony No. 2 (Furtwängler)
Wilhelm Furtwängler's Symphony No. 2 in D minor is a large-scale orchestral work composed between 1944 and 1945. It is one of his most significant and frequently performed symphonies, representing a culmination of his mature compositional style.
The symphony is typically divided into four movements:
-
Allegro: This movement is characterized by its dramatic and turbulent nature, employing complex harmonies and contrapuntal textures. It frequently features a sense of struggle and angst.
-
Andante simplice: A contrasting movement, the Andante offers a more lyrical and introspective mood. It often displays a sense of longing and melancholy, while still incorporating Furtwängler's characteristic harmonic complexity.
-
Allegro molto: A scherzo-like movement, the Allegro molto provides a burst of energy and rhythmic drive. Despite its faster tempo, it retains a seriousness of purpose and contributes to the overall dramatic arc of the symphony.
-
Allegro con brio: The finale is a powerful and often controversial movement. Its length and complexity are notable, and interpretations of its meaning vary widely. It has been seen as a triumphant resolution to the conflicts presented in the earlier movements, as well as a reflection of the anxieties and uncertainties of the wartime period. Some critics find it rambling or structurally unsound, while others praise its emotional intensity and originality.
Furtwängler's Symphony No. 2 is notable for its dense orchestration, late-Romantic harmonic language, and expressive power. The work is often interpreted as a reflection of the turbulent times in which it was composed, reflecting the emotional and intellectual climate of World War II and its aftermath. Performances and recordings of the symphony are available from numerous orchestras and conductors.