Symphonies 6, 5 & 19

This symphony1 demonstrates once again that Julius Röntgen is the most imaginative Dutch composer of the late 19th and first half of the 20th century. His Fifth Symphony (1926) and his Sixth 'Choral Symphony' (1928) based on 16th and 17th century song texts mark the beginning of his rich, late symphonic oeuvre. Both works are based on old melodies and form grand, impressive compositions. His Symphony no. 19, with the notes from the name of 'B.A.C.H.' as its theme, Röntgen wrote in 1931 in the space of two weeks. The powerful strings introduce the Bach theme and immediately pass it on to other instruments. The motif returns repeatedly and in the Fugue the composer quickly reaches the boundaries of tonality. A must to hear!