Percy Sherwood was raised in Germany and attended the Dresden Conservatory where he studied composition with Felix Draeseke among others. After graduating, he pursued a career as a pianist and composer, eventually becoming a professor at the Dresden Conservatory. He enjoyed a considerable reputation in Germany and on the Continent and his works were often performed and held in high regard.
By chance, he was visiting relatives and friends in England when the First World War broke out. Unable to return to Germany, he spent the war years in England and then chose to remain for the rest of his life. He wrote in virtually every genre. He made a living as a private teacher in London and travelled weekly to Oxford and Cambridge. He died in London.
Sherwood's compositions include five symphonies, the last two of which are presumed lost.
Symphony No 2 in B minor - 1892
Entire symphony is now on Youtube with full score - see link at bottom of page
The 1st movement is, for the most part, built around a single theme first presented in the cello and bass from the outset of the slow introduction.
SAMPLE: 1st mov - slow introduction - Adagio molto
The Allegro begins with a solo flute playing the theme over shimmering tremelando strings. The music grows step by step to a full brass climax.
SAMPLE: 1st mov - Allegro
The development has some delightful woodwind exchanges leading to a chorale-like passage in the lower brass.
SAMPLE: 1st mov - middle section
The final pages die away to a prolonged moment of calm with a recap of the theme back in the cellos/bass. Horns waver between minor and major before a short fortissimo ending rooted firmly in B minor.
SAMPLE: 1st mov - ending
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The 2nd movement, marked Adagio, is a kind of theme and variations but flows in a seamless whole. The movement runs straight into the 3rd movement 'attaca', a scherzo with two trio sections.
The 2nd movement, marked Adagio, is a kind of theme and variations but flows in a seamless whole. The movement runs straight into the 3rd movement 'attaca', a scherzo with two trio sections.
A contrast to the staccato opening is a simple dance like theme.
SAMPLE: 2nd mov - ending and 3rd mov - start
The first trio is quieter with piano solid brass chords which frame a long leagato phrase alternating on strings and woodwind.
The scherzo returns in an abreviated form and this leads to the second trio which is more dance like than the first one with some interesting melodic cross rhythms.
The scherzo returns a final time with a coda.
SAMPLE: 3rd mov - Trio1 & 2 with ending
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The 4th movement starts with a short fanfare-like proclomation, a theme which dominates this finale.
The Allegro con fuoco marking is borne out by a fast rhythmic melody which drives the music along.
The main theme in the calmer sections is first heard on the cor anglais.
SAMPLE: 4th mov - start
This movement has the true feel of a Finale which presses forwards to an expected coda of pure brilliance and majesty (finale page below - click to enlarge)
SAMPLE: 4th mov - ending
The whole 2nd Symphony is now on Youtube with the follow-along score included.