JOACHIM RAFF : Symphony No. 1 "An Das Vaterland" (Rhenish Philharmonic Orchestra · Sam Friedman) (1994) Two Version | FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

The Symphony No. 1 in D major, Opus 96, carries the title "An das Vaterland" and opens with an energetic sweep of sound that is a foretaste of Strauss. The first movement develops in more formal terms, with a strongly contrapuntal element in the sequences and thematic references to the Fatherland. The slow movement starts with a strongly felt theme, moving to music that is more gently lyrical in feeling, developed contrapuntally and dramatically, with due reference to material from the preceding movements. The declared drama of the fourth movement leads to an emphatically patriotic statement and in the end to the sombre tread of the final Larghetto sostenuto, that goes on to contrasting moods of patriotism and gentle lyricism before culminating in a spirit of national triumph. In spite of its considerable length and apparent digressions, the symphony is, all in all, remarkably unified in structure, in thematic material and in general intention. naxos

Joachim Raff (1822-1882)
1. Symphony #1 " An Das Vaterland" Op. 96    (1:10:10)
Credits :
Orchestra : Rhenish Philharmonic Orchestra
Conductor – Sam Friedman
Painting [Cover] – Chai Ben-Shan