Message #19554

[gpdlt2000]

Forthcomong Larsson on cpo


Lars-Erik Larsson (1908-1986)
Orchestral Works Vol. 1:
Symphony No. 1 in D op. 2;
Four Vignettes to Shakespeare’s
The Winter’s Tale;
Music for Orchestra op. 40;
Pastoral for small orchestra;
Lyric Fantasy for small orchestra op. 54
Helsingborg Symphony Orchestra
Andrew Manze
cpo 777 671-2; UPC Code: 761203767120

A Master of Classical Modernism
Rangström, Wirén, Pettersson, Atterberg, Peterson-Berger: these names
represent high points in Swedish music history and have found a
discographic home on cpo. Today I would like to add another important name
to this Swedish Olympus of composers: Lars-Erik Larsson. Along with Dag
Wirén, Larsson currently continues to number among the most popular
composers of classical modernism in Sweden. Their popularity of course is
explained in part by the fact that both continued to abide by the tradition
of tonality without being epigonic reactionaries. Andrew Manze, to whom cpo
owes a wonderfully inspired edition of the Brahms symphonies, is now
presenting a new recording with Larsson’s most important symphonic works as
performed by his very own Helsingborg Orchestra. One of Larsson’s three
symphonies forms the focus of each of the three CDs. And now, to begin, the
first symphony. Brimming with natural freshness and youthful new
beginnings, it reflects Larsson’s enthusiasm for the first two symphonies
of Sibelius and in melodic respects, especially in its last two movements,
is also guided by Carl Nielsen. Even in this early work Larsson displays
mastery commanding respect.