Two symphonies ‘on the theme of nature’! Valid though this expression is, it nevertheless calls for quotation marks: far from being a prefiguration of the famous Pastoral, the Symphonie ‘Portrait musical de la nature’ represented a highly convincing attempt by its composer to extricate himself from programme music, 23 years before Beethoven's masterpiece! It is exciting to hear these two works recorded together for the first time by a period-instrument orchestra directed by its concertmaster, Bernhard Forck.
JUSTIN HEINRICH KNECHT [1752-1817] Le Portrait musical de la Nature ou Grande Simphonie G Major / Sol majeur / G-Dur · I. Allegretto - Andante pastorale - Allegretto - Villanella grazioso (un poco adagio) - Allegretto (8'55) · II. Allegretto. Tempo medemo (2'36) · III. Allegro molto (5'42) · IV. Allegretto. Tempo medemo (2'07) · V. L'inno con variazioni - Coro Allegro con brio - Andantino (4'53) LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN [1770-1827] Symphony no. 6 'Pastorale', op. 68 F Major / Fa majeur / F-Dur · I. Allegro, ma non troppo (10'58) · II. Szene am Bach. Andante molto moto (11'57) · III. Allegro (5'12) · IV. Allegro (4'01) · V. Allegretto (9'48)
