Recent Researches in American Music

This edition is the first publication of the Symphony in A Major by Leopold Damrosch (1832–85), composed in 1878 in New York. The patriarch of a family that created the foundations for classical music in America, Damrosch held positions in illustrious musical institutions of his native Germany and the respect of such figures as Liszt and Wagner prior to his 1871 immigration to the United States. Distinguished composer and renowned violinist, Damrosch was also a conductor who acted as a "missionary" for modern music by premiering important European works in America. The symphony is one of several symphonic compositions by Damrosch, including two violin concertos and the oratorio A Scriptural Idyll: Ruth and Naomi. Damrosch writes in the international symphonic idiom of the late 1870s, reflecting Beethoven's influence in his scherzo while incorporating the chromatic voice leading of the "modernist" school. Thus, the symphony occupies a fascinating position between Austro-German symphonic tradition and the New World.

Performance parts are available for rental: A54R

Music Sample

Contents:

Introduction
    Leopold Damrosch
    Damrosch's Music
    Notes

Symphony in A Major
      I.  Poco andante; Allegro vivace, con fuoco
    II.  Intermezo scherzando: Vivace, con leggierezza
  III.  Quasi marcia; solenne
  IV.  Allegro vivace assai

  Critical Report
      The Source
      Editorial Methods
      Critical Notes
      Notes

  Appendix: Letter from Franz Liszt to Leopold Damrosch