Carnegie Hall

Tolling bells and dark orchestral colors set an ominous tone in Casella’s large-scale Symphony No. 2. The opening passage may recall Mahler, but there are also flashes of R. Strauss and even Russian music in this highly emotional work. Casella’s stylistic voice, however, does stand out in the tumultuous tone, surging rhythms (including a wild Italian dance), and steady stream of melody. Written before the start of World War I, the rarely heard symphony might have been victim of cultural bias stoked by nationalist beliefs.

Available through May 31, 2021.