Symphony No. 1 in E Major

Franz Schmidt’s sprightly Symphony No. 1 in E major is rooted in the late-Romanticism of Brahms and Bruckner. The four-movement piece was a remarkable achievement for the rising composer, who was only in his 20s at the time of its 1902 premiere. Although there are nods to Bruckner and Felix Mendelssohn in his handling of the orchestral forces, Schmidt shows a remarkable grip of large-scale structure and displays a distinctive, lyrical voice that was to culminate in his fourth—and last—symphony. The first movement opens with inspiring statements for full orchestra, highlighted by lush strings and a solo trumpet. There is an air of mirth, enhanced by subtle changes in tempo. The elegiac slow second movement features a sorrowful and memorable lone clarinet, and virtuosic transitions to sunnier passages, especially with the use of brass toward the end. The lilting third movement is characterised by catchy, dancelike figures, creating a contrast with the finale’s clear, contrapuntal textures. The movement—and this jovial symphony—ends with jaunty trills on flute and violins, and celebratory timpani rolls.