ESTONIAN SYMPHONIC MUSIC. THE FIRST CENTURY 1896-1996.
Tempos and rhythms
are shifting, creating a singular plasticity. Rosenvald pays attention to classical form
schemes: sonata allegro, ABA, rondo, filling them with original moulded themes.
In the Second Symphony, written a year later, his individual style has ripened. 2 His
philosophical thinking is more mature, becoming obvious in strenuous thoughts and
opposing them with meditative, often dolorous lyricism.
The work starts with a series of darkened thoughts, restlessness, thronging and
striving to catch the listener’s ear. The main theme sounds nervous and bustling:
Example 107.
The somewhat melancholic subsidiary theme seems to come from afar: hidden
grief bursts forth.
The first theme in the second movement is, according to his own words, the
musical self-portrait of the composer:
Example 108.
The music is serious and concentrated, although a little dolorous.
1
The first performance on 6 Febr. 1969, ERSO conducted by Olev Oja.
2
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