George Antheil: Symphony No.4 "1942" (1940/1944)

[@12corners]

I was annoyed at first. I couldn't follow the form because I had to follow all the references to Schostakovitch's symphonies - none later than his 7th, obviously. The 2nd , slow movement offers a respite - Sibelius - and some stunningly beautiful string writing - Through the whole symphony, however, he follows the classical symphonic form, in outline, at least - and this is the strength of it. With the third (a 4/4 marching time scherzo) and the powerfully themed finale we get to see Antheil's sardonic commentary on, not only war, but all the Hollywood bluster that went with it. He manages to bring me back, and show me a bit of what it must have felt like to live those terrible days as an American.

[@fstover5208]

Pretty decent symphony. His work should be performed a lot more than it is.

[@PhilthySpectre]

~7:00 would be great for getting into a fistfight on top of a speeding train

[@jameswginn]

at least it doesn't last as long as Shostakovich's 7th. some good spots.