Having just spent an enjoyable afternoon listening to various movements from the symphonies, a couple of thoughts:
Firstly - we often see the same movements turning up time after time in programmes (although I'm not complaining - hearing Gerard Brooks play the first movement of the 6th at St.Sulpice a few years ago was particularly fine). It would be interesting if we could share some of the other movements that we play / enjoy, which don't get so much airplay. As an example, I find the Choral from the 7th Symphony a most charming movement, which hardly ever seems to be played. Any to share?
Secondly - which symphony would you nominate as the most cohesive whole? I've never played any in their entirety, but many colleagues and organists I've discussed this with consider the 6th to claim this title. I would nominate the 4th as very fitting to this category as well. What's your thought?
(With a lot of time on my hands at the moment, I'm looking back into some of them - in between watching the Olympics and waiting for my toaster to be mended...)
VA