Joachim Raff’s symphonies present a synthesis of pure music and the programmatic elements of the neo-German school. His eighth symphony, 'Frühlingsklänge' ('Sounds of Spring'), was followed shortly by his ninth, Im Sommer ('In Summer'), forming a celebration of spring and summer that are part of a set that make up the four seasons. Previously released on Marco Polo (8.223362). Symphony No. 1, 'An das Vaterland' ('To the Fatherland') can be heard on 8.555411 and Nos. 3, 'Im Walde' ('In the Forest') and 10, 'Zur Herbstzeit' ('In Autumn') on 8.555491.
