Programme

R Schumann Symphony No. 2 in C Major, Op. 61

Eduardo Strausser Conductor

The heavenly beginning of Schumann’s Symphony No. 2 – truly the musical equivalent of entering a cathedral – belies the personal slump Schumann found himself in just prior to writing the work. Schumann himself wrote that his Second Symphony was written “in December 1845 while I was still half sick” and said it reminded him of a “dark time”. Despite this personal low, Schumann’s simultaneous study of J.S. Bach’s fugues proved a creative – and inspirational – high, leaving a clear mark on the Second Symphony.

Melody on melody overlap and interplay to give Schumann’s Symphony No. 2, born in personal trial, a final, optimistic joy.