Symphony No.3 in E minor - York Bowen

BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra conducted by Ian Whyte. I - Introduction - Allegro: 0:00 II - Lento: 7:14 III - Allegro molto quasi presto: 18:19 Bowen's Symphony No.3 was composed in 1951, but unfortunately the score was lost. All performing material, including the composer's holograph full score, was reportedly destroyed during a flood at the premises of the London publisher De Wolfe. However, several performances of the work were broadcast in the 1950s by the BBC and are extant (conducted variously by Ian Whyte, Vilem Tausky and Charles Groves). The first movement is structured in sonata form. It begins with a slow introduction of melancholic tone, dominated by the cellos. A quick accelerando leads us to the main allegro, in which a lively main theme is presented. A more lyrical and delicate second theme is then presented by the wood. The following development section is agitated and romantic in tone. The main themes are then recapitulated, before a dramatic coda ends the movement. The second movement is written in form of an arch. It opens with a lyrical main theme of nostalgic expression on the English horn, reminiscent of Bax's music. It unfolds supported by rich harmonies and a colourful orchestration, before rising in an expressive climax. After an extensive and meditative passage, the music again grows into a grand climax. The main theme is recapitulated by the English horn. After a third and final climax, a lyrical coda ends the movement. The third movement is also written in sonata form. It begins with a martial and bellicose main theme, which is subjected to an extensive development. A more melodic second theme appears, offering adequate contrast. The main theme reappears and leads us to the development. After the recapitulation of the themes, a firm coda ends the whole work. Picture: Photograph of York Bowen taken in 1928. Musical analysis written by myself. Unfortunately, the score is not available.