Inspired By The Rhine

Time for another BBC Music mag cover disk from 2002, this one featuring orchestral music by Schumann played by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales conducted by Walter Weller. The disk is topped and tailed by two overtures, Manfred ( after Byron's poem ) and Genoveva ( from his only little performed opera ). The overture is a curious form but these miniature tone poems are expertly scored and orchestrated. The main work on the disk though is Schumann's Symphony No 3 ( Rhenish ). Inspired by the countryside of the Rhineland and musically by Beethoven. The principle mood is full of new energy and optimism with no trace of the darkness and depression that was to overwhelm him later ( with the Rhine ironically playing a prominent part ). Although not rated as a supreme symphonist, this work gives the lie to that and stands with any mid 19th century contemporary.