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The Reception of Paul Hindemith's Symphonic Metamorphosis of Themes by C. M. von Weber
King, Allison
King, Allison
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2020
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Abstract
This thesis explores the reception of Paul Hindemith’s Symphonic Metamorphosis of Themes by C. M. von Weber for orchestra, focusing on reviews of performances and recordings in newspapers, magazines, and journals published in the U.S. from the work’s premiere in 1944 through the 1960s. Scholarly literature rarely addresses the symphony beyond brief mentions of its popularity. If scholars have written little about the work, what has anyone else written? References to Symphonic Metamorphosis abound in newspapers, since the piece was widely performed, recorded, and broadcast on the radio. Prominent themes in the critical reception include reactions to how the work did or did not meet expectations, perceptions of Hindemith’s national identity, and commentary about specific features of the various movements. Reviews rarely mention Movement 1. Many critics consider Movement 2 to be the highlight of the work, often commenting on Hindemith’s casting of a Chinese theme into a jazzy fugato. Concerning Movement 3, reviewers praised its calm mood and beautiful, tonal melodies. Movement 4 garnered praise for its energy, which some critics observed propelled the symphony toward an effective conclusion.
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Music
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Cheney, Stuart