In Japanese, pronunciation of “Dam” and “Damm” is the same. This makes me confused, because I have never seen a Dam because I am a house dog. When I watch TV, a school student who has visited more than 600 dams in Japan, proudly shouted “I love Dam activity !” Nein, Nein ! Damm should be Peter Damm. I feel sad when TV news says “Dam in Uklane was attacked”. “Dam was broken”. Peter Damm will never be attacked. He is loved by the world forever.
I wrote too long blog in No.7 post ( as I am Richard Strauss lover), No.8 blog simply introduce popular symphony, Schubert “Unfinished” D.759. I am so excited how the genius music sounds when genius horn player is there.
Music
This is a famous symphony which Schubert composed in 1822. I guess he was around 25 years old. (Very young! ) This symphony was known as No.8 symphony in the past, but it was re-numbered recently as No.7. As it is confusing, people just call this symphony as “Symphony B minor D.759”. “Unfinished” is more popular name, not because Schubert was young, but because the symphony has only 2 movements.
Players and Recording
Conductor : Herbert Blomstadt
Orchestra: Staatzkapelle Dresden
Recoding date; 23-24, February, 1978 (Peter Damm 40 years old)
Venue: Lukas Kirche, Dresden
Blomstedt was born in 1927 and he became principal conductor of SKD, following Keilberth, Kempe, Konwitschny, Suitner, and Sanderling for ten years since 1975. He is 96 years old this year ( as of 2023) and still conduct orchestra in concert. I call him living legend. This recording is produced when he was early 50’s.
My favorite
“SKD is an orchestra which has ideal sound”. This is a comment by Blomstedt himself according to interview article in the LP. He continues. “ff (fortissimo) of this orchestra is delicate and warm. It sound like solid, not like line.” I think this praise is directed to Peter Damm.
Beginning of 2nd movement
At the very beginning of 2nd movement, you will hear Peter Damm’s beautiful ” Do Re Mi (in E)”. The simple melody is full of “Damm taste” but it is not too sticky. You can also listen descending “So Mi Do So” in Coda. You never regret to spend your money to buy whole LP or CD just listen to these “Do Re Mi” and “So Mi Do So” . I am looking forward to listening all the LP with big sound, when my Master goes out.