William Schuman: Symphony No 7 Great stuff! The
Balada Steel Symphony is the sort of think I might usually avoid,but it's actually a fun listen!! :o It sound's like it's name. Like a musical depiction of a foundry,in sound.Albeit,not quite as literal as that might suggest! One for the hi-fi! Unfortunately,I'm listening on cordless headphones. The Schuman symphony having a stern,steely demeanour,it,somehow,seems apt. Schuman's symphonies were about to get tougher,though!! I think the Schuman symphonies are the most satisfying American symphony cycle,if you're looking for anything comparable to a cycle by a European or British composer. By that,I mean,someting that's going to be challenging and yet still,tonal. Or,at least,predominantly! As I said,Schuman's later stuff get's allot tougher! I like
Howard Hanson & Paul Creston,for example;but they're lyrical works. I don't think anybody would find them a tough listen! I would also rate
Mennin & Piston,very highly,in this respect. Schuman's cycle is the most wide ranging,imo.
