Ernő Dohnányi - Symphony No. 2; Ruralia hungarica (Michael Francis)

Information

Composer: Ernő Dohnányi

• Symphony No. 2 in E Major, Op. 40
• Ruralia hungarica, Op. 32b

Deutsche Staatsphilharmonie Rheinland-Pfalz

Michael Francis, conductor

Date: 2026

Label: CapriccioNR

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Hungarian composer Ernst von Dohnányi, despite his historically immense influence and versatile career, remains underrepresented in contemporary concert programs. Capriccio continues its multi-volume recording series dedicated to his late-Romantic output with an eighth installment, highlighting his monumental Symphony No. 2. Written during Dohnányi’s wartime departure from Hungary, this ambitious, hour-long symphony demands exceptionally large orchestral forces to achieve its expansive dramatic scope. Completing the release is the orchestral version of Ruralia Hungarica (1924), a vibrant suite incorporating familiar folk melodies that offers a rich, nationalistic complement to the grand scale of his second symphony.

Michael Francis serves as Chief Conductor of the Deutsche Staatsphilharmonie Rheinland-Pfalz, Music Director of the Florida Orchestra, and Music Director of the Mainly Mozart Festival in San Diego. Mentored by Valery Gergiev and Sir Colin Davis, Francis maintains an expansive international guest conducting career. He has led prestigious ensembles across North America, Europe, and Asia, including the London Symphony Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, Cleveland Orchestra, and NHK Symphony Orchestra. Throughout his prominent career, Francis has collaborated with acclaimed classical soloists—such as Lang Lang, Itzhak Perlman, and Anne-Sophie Mutter—as well as crossover artists Sting and Rufus Wainwright.