Symphony in D (Voříšek)

The Symphony in D major, Op. 23, is the only work in this genre by the Bohemian-born composer Jan Václav Voříšek. He wrote it in 1821 at age 30; he died young, at only 34.

The dedication to Aloys von Fuchs was inscribed in the composer's own hand on 14 April 1823.^[1]

It is scored for a standard classical orchestra typical of late Haydn or early Beethoven symphonies: 2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons, 2 horns, 2 trumpets, timpani and strings.^[2] Indeed, it has often been compared to early Beethoven, although it was written only six years before that master's death, 16 months after Voříšek. He was a friend of Schubert and may well have been influenced by that composer as well.

The Symphony in D is Voříšek's most famous work, and is the first major Czech contribution to the 19th century symphonic literature.^[3]

The movements are:

• Allegro con brio
• Andante
• Scherzo: Allegro ma non troppo
• Finale: Allegro con brio.^[2]

Recordings[edit]

The Symphony in D has been recorded by:

• Czech National Symphony Orchestra under Paul Freeman
• Czech Philharmonic under Karel Ančerl
• Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie under Thomas Hengelbrock
• New Philharmonia Orchestra under Michael Bialoguski
• Prague Philharmonia under Jiří Bělohlávek
• Scottish Chamber Orchestra under Sir Charles Mackerras
• West German Sinfonia Orchestra under Dirk Joeres.

References[edit]

External links[edit]

• Performance of the Symphony by Slovak Sinfonietta, conducted Peter Vronský, (Indian Summer in Levoča Festival, 2011), on YouTube.