Hello, all. I was thinking about Bizet's wonderful symphony in C, , and how amazing it was that a young man of 17 could have composed such a lovely work. I never cease to feel uplifted, whenever I hear it (another symphony that does that for me is Prokoviev's 'Classical' symphony ) : then I thought, how did Bizet come to write it, and why not many more ? ! (that would have been a treat ).... Wikipedia reveals that Bizet's teacher was Gounod, so : turn to Gounod's 2 Symphonies, listening out for any 'influences'.... Result ? In the first few bars of Symphony No. 1, I could see how young Bizet emulated his teacher...similar sort of 'patterns', for want of a better word.... Throughout, I was muttering (ref young Georges), "You naughty boy ! " Imitation is the best form of flattery....top marks for the assignment...... So although my amazement about Georges is somewhat explained, I have found a fascinating extra source of interest, and will now listen to Gounod's 2nd Symphony ... Enjoy ! R.
You're probably right about the Beethoven similarities. At the time Gounod wrote this I believe he was a professor at the conservatory and may have been referring to more Germanic classical examples as academic standards in regard to composition. At the time, the Germans were known as the symphony writers. The same year Gounod wrote this Symphony, his pupil, the17 year old Bizet, wrote his first Symphony as well. When I listen to that work I hear that it is more Beethoven then it is Bizet except for the exotic, brooding sections which are so much uniquely Bizet.
OMG!!!
I had this very recording, and it brought me much happiness & pleasure...Great memories 👍
Charles Gounod's picture is on my wall - he is one of my heroes.
Une symphonie qui fait une brillante synthèse des styles classique et romantique modéré.
Hello, all.
I was thinking about Bizet's wonderful symphony in C, , and how amazing it was that a young man of 17 could have composed such a lovely work.
I never cease to feel uplifted, whenever I hear it (another symphony that does that for me is Prokoviev's 'Classical' symphony ) : then I thought, how did Bizet come to write it,
and why not many more ? ! (that would have been a treat )....
Wikipedia reveals that Bizet's teacher was Gounod, so : turn to Gounod's 2 Symphonies, listening out for any 'influences'....
Result ? In the first few bars of Symphony No. 1, I could see how young Bizet emulated his teacher...similar sort of 'patterns', for want of a better word....
Throughout, I was muttering (ref young Georges), "You naughty boy ! "
Imitation is the best form of flattery....top marks for the assignment......
So although my amazement about Georges is somewhat explained, I have found a fascinating extra source of interest, and will now listen to Gounod's 2nd Symphony ...
Enjoy !
R.
Very nice recording sprightly done with vigor , I allso like the cover art ,
Une brillante symphonie
A Masterpiece from Gounod. I never knew he was THIS good!
すみれ
今オケで練習している曲です
グノーの曲優しくていいですね🎶
❤️
If you compare this symphony (the 1st) with the Symphony of C by his pupil Bizet, you find that Gounod is a very profound composer.
On first hearing, this sounds to have elements of Beethoven, with more than a touch of the 7th ,and another I can't quite put a finger on.
There's definitely some French influence from Bizet here and perhaps even a slight reminder of early Saint-Saens.
You're probably right about the Beethoven similarities. At the time Gounod wrote this I believe he was a professor at the conservatory and may have been referring to more Germanic classical examples as academic standards in regard to composition. At the time, the Germans were known as the symphony writers. The same year Gounod wrote this Symphony, his pupil, the17 year old Bizet, wrote his first Symphony as well. When I listen to that work I hear that it is more Beethoven then it is Bizet except for the exotic, brooding sections which are so much uniquely Bizet.
At least it's not like Bruckner/
1000 times better than Wagner and all this stupid melancholy.