Slovak State Po/Walter - Spohr:Symphonies Nos 2 9

Composed in London, Spohr's Second Symphony was received with real enthusiasm at its premi�re, the audience responding to the work's tasteful Haydnesque flourishes, wide emotional palette and delightful writing for wind instruments. Written in 1850, a year after the re-imposition of authoritarian rule in Germany, Symphony No. 9 'The Seasons' is no mere programmatic work but a symbolic journey from the winter darkness of political oppression through the 'Garden of Eden' imagery of Spring, and the vibrant colours of Summer, ending with Autumn whose positive finale is a celebration of the composer's belief in the political rebirth of Germany.