Uploaded November 2016 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Arthur Foote is mostly known for his superb chamber music, but he did manage to produce some works for larger ensembles and orchestra. This "Symphonic Prologue" was composed in 1890 as Foote's Op. 24. It depicts the tragic story of Francesca and Paolo as told in Dante's fifth Canto in The Inferno. There is such simple beauty in this 14-minute piece, very memorable melodies throughout. One of my personal favorites begins at about 10:15 in this video.
Performed by The Seattle Symphony
Conducted by Gerard Schwarz
The entire recording consists of three other works for orchestra and is available through Naxos: naxos.com/catalogue/item.asp?item_code=8.559365
Painting by Dante Gabriel Rossetti (1828-1882)
Arthur Foote is mostly known for his superb chamber music, but he did manage to produce some works for larger ensembles and orchestra. This "Symphonic Prologue" was composed in 1890 as Foote's Op. 24. It depicts the tragic story of Francesca and Paolo as told in Dante's fifth Canto in The Inferno. There is such simple beauty in this 14-minute piece, very memorable melodies throughout. One of my personal favorites begins at about 10:15 in this video.
Performed by The Seattle Symphony
Conducted by Gerard Schwarz
The entire recording consists of three other works for orchestra and is available through Naxos: naxos.com/catalogue/item.asp?item_code=8.559365
Painting by Dante Gabriel Rossetti (1828-1882)
