To a Prize Symphony, by Joachim Raff, performed in
Vienna, 1863.
I. D major. Allegro.
Portrait of the German character,--its capability of
elevation, proneness to Reflection, Gentleness and
Valor, as contrasts that blend with and permeate one
another in manifold ways--overpowering proneness to
meditation.
II. D minor. Allegro molto vivace.
In the open air, in the German grove, with the sound of
horns, Away to the fields, with the songs of the people.
III. D major. Larghetto.
Gathering round the domestic hearth, transfigured
by love and the Muses.
IV. G minor. Allegro-dramatico.
Ineffectual struggle to establish the unity of the
fatherland.
V. D minor. Lament. D major. Allegro trionfale.
Opening of a new and elevated era.
[19] Although our recitative is formed after the recitative
of the ancient drama, yet the latter, according to all
accounts, appears to have been very different from our
opera recitative, and to have had greater resemblance
to the monotonous recitation of the Romish Liturgy,
which seems to be a relic of ancient art.