Symphony No. 2

The first version of Mechem’s second symphony, in three movements, was premiered by Krips and the San Francisco Symphony in 1967. The composer and conductor agreed that it needed a fourth movement; Krips performed the revised version two years later.

Four Movements

‍Conductor: Josef Krips

Cast in classic four-movement form, the symphony begins with a slow introduction leading to a lyrical first movement which builds to a vigorous climax. A programmatic Scherzo (Quodlibet) quotes several sea chanties. The slow movement is a Canzona with Variations, followed by a Rondo finale. 

Press

“… a master symphonist … elements of theatrical games and even balletic vividness”
— Musical Observer, Moscow

“The composer was brought out for four curtain calls… There is a great deal of lyricism, but there are biceps too in its surging rhythms and ringing instrumental combinations.”
— Sacramento Bee