Hyperion Records

Although sharing much in common with Nos 1 to 5, Symphony No 10 already shows a degree of development of the genre in the more independent role given to the wind (the standard pairs of oboes and horns) and there is also the relatively novel employment of sudden dynamic contrasts in the main themes of the outer movements. This feature is apparent from the opening bars, giving character to an otherwise relatively featureless idea. A sparer, more adventurous texture marks the brief second subject, which is structurally little more than a link to the codetta. Some of the writing in the slow movement is even sparer: scored for strings alone, the main theme consists of a simple idea in sixths beneath an inverted pedal G on the first violin and the occasional reassuring bass note. This restful, even static mood is briefly interrupted by a central section dominated by abrupt changes of dynamics. The symphony is rounded off with an exuberant Presto.

from notes by Matthew Rye © 1992