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FERNANDO OLIVA   02/7/2003	Subject: TO THE FATHERLAND RE-ASSESTEMENT Message: Dear Friends, While I´m writing this message, I listen the "Larghetto sostenuto" of Raff´s 1st."To The Fatherland". I re listened this Symphony several times last week, and, like the first time I listened, I think is a great work. Surely, I´m only an affecionate, but I discovered Raff music throuhout this work, two years ago, and struck me very hard. The first movement, is a noble description of German character. The Scherzo have woodland flavour (less than Im Walde), and kindly peasant echoes. The slow movement talk about home and family. I read about the fourth movement it was inspired for a patriotic song of ardent German patriot Ernst Moritz Arndt Was ist ds deutschen Vaterland? Finally, the Largheto sostenuto, for me the best movement, with well contrasted melodies and wonderful final. In spite of its considerable lenght, this work has a wonderful thematic material, pretious melodies and remarkable (for me) post-mendelssohnian language. I have great pride if somebody composer wrote a symphony like this or similar dedicated to my country. I appreciate your expert opinions. Sincerely yours, Fernando.
John Boyer   27/10/2003	RE: TO THE FATHERLAND RE-ASSESTEMENT IP: Logged Message: Last Thursday I decided to give the 1st one more try, after years of dismissing it as one Raff's weaker scores. Hearing it again, I find much good music: fine ideas that are adroitly handled. The real problem is one of length. The five movement structure, coupled with the lengths of the movements, is too much for the piece to hold together. Were I Raff, I would have revised it thus: 1. Cut the fourth movement entirely. It has the feel of an overture incongruously inserted before the finale. Of course, the final quote of the "Vaterland" hymn in the final bars of the last movement would lose their "looking back" quality, but it would not be entirely incomprehensible. A five movement structure is not impossible (look at Tchaikovsky's 3rd), but here it needlessly expands an already over-long work. 2. Trim the first movement, the slow movement, the the finale by about 20%, give or take a few percent. Each of these, especially the first and last movements, are far too long. The seams show. A flawed work, but with much to recommend it.
FERNANDO OLIVA   27/10/2003	RE: TO THE FATHERLAND RE-ASSESTEMENT IP: Logged Message: Dear John: Thanks for your Fatherland re-assestement. As soon as possible I would try to re-listen with your recommendations. I usually introduce Raff to my friends borrowing them or listening toghether 4th., 3rd. or 5th. Symphonies. Women, in general, adores "Lenore". I ever try to explain Burger´s ballad before the audition. Piano concerto in C minor always enjoy great succes, specially its 2nd. slow movement. I am sure that 2nd. Symphony could make more RAFFicionates. In general, when people have discovered Raff, was surprised that this composer, with his "easy to listen" music and his sympathy and good humor sense, stills unknow and neglected today. I am still searching for CPO´s CD "Raff works for violin, vol .2". I am sure, soon I could enjoy with the essential "Cavatina". Kind regards from Barcelona, Fernando.
Mark   11/12/2003	RE: TO THE FATHERLAND RE-ASSESTEMENT IP: Logged Message: I must have missed John's suggested hatchet job on the Father Symphony when it was first posted... It's absolutely spot on - but, for me, Raff's flaws are as fascinating as his good points.