Emilie Mayer (1812-1883) composed eight Symphonies, and if the other six are as attractive as the two recorded here, both in four movements, then a cycle from Hänssler Classic conducted by Marc Niemann would be very welcome. There’s a mix of references in the E-major Sixth, including Beethoven, Mendelssohn and Schubert, as well as something individual, not least capriciousness, together with structural and developmental assurance; based on these works, her music has atmosphere, strength, lyrical beauty, elegance and energy, scored with imagination, often beguilingly; the Sixth’s slow movement is a shadowy yet dignified funeral march, while the ensuing Scherzo scampers hither and thither. Also on this release, Mayer joins Haydn in writing a ‘Military’ Symphony (his No.100); if her C-major Third isn’t quite as ear-catching as the Sixth, despite intriguing ideas, then the nick-naming Finale is certainly worth an audition, a sprightly affair with colourful percussion. Performances and sound (October 2021, Radio Bremen) are excellent on Hänssler Classic HC22016.
Emilie Mayer’s Third & Sixth Symphonies. Philharmonisches Orchester Bremerhaven conducted by Marc Niemann on Hänssler Classic.
