Harbison Symphonies 5 & 6

John Harbison's "Harbison Symphonies 5 & 6" is a captivating exploration of avant-garde orchestral music, released on BSO Classics in 2013. This album presents two of Harbison's most compelling symphonic works, each divided into four distinct movements, offering a rich and varied listening experience that spans a total of 66 minutes.

Symphony No. 5 is a profound and introspective work, with each movement inspired by poetry. The first movement, "Con fuoco," is set to a poem by Miłosz, while the second, "Andante cantabile," is a solo movement for strings, also inspired by Miłosz. The third movement, "Grave," is set to a poem by Louise Glück, and the final movement, "Lento," is inspired by Rilke's "Sonnets to Orpheus."

Symphony No. 6, on the other hand, is a more dynamic and rhythmic work. The first movement, "Con moto," is set to a song and poem by James Wright, while the second movement, "Introduzione - Con anima - Grazioso," is a slow and lyrical interlude. The third movement, "Vivo, Ruvido," is a lively and energetic scherzo, and the final movement, "Moderato cantabile e semplice," brings the symphony to a close with a slow and simple melody.

Throughout the album, Harbison's mastery of orchestration and his ability to blend poetry and music are evident. His use of unconventional harmonies and rhythms, along with his sensitivity to the texts he sets, make this album a standout in the world of contemporary classical music. Whether you're a seasoned avant-garde enthusiast or a curious newcomer, "Harbison Symphonies 5 & 6" is sure to leave a lasting impression.