Immerse yourself in the powerful and evocative symphonies of Kurt Atterberg with this captivating album, featuring his Symphony No. 1 in B Minor, Op. 3 and Symphony No. 5 in D Minor, Op. 20, "Sinfonia funebre." Recorded by the renowned Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra under the skilled direction of Neeme Järvi, this collection showcases Atterberg's mastery of orchestral composition and his ability to convey deep emotion and dramatic intensity.
The album opens with the revised 1913 version of Symphony No. 1, a work that Atterberg composed in his early twenties. This four-movement symphony is a testament to his early genius, blending romanticism with a bold, modern edge. The first movement, "Allegro con fuoco," immediately grabs the listener's attention with its fiery energy, while the second movement, "Adagio," offers a moment of serene reflection. The third movement, "Presto - Pesante," showcases Atterberg's skill in creating dynamic contrasts, and the final movement, "Adagio - Allegro energico," brings the symphony to a thrilling conclusion.
The second half of the album is dedicated to the revised 1947 version of Symphony No. 5, subtitled "Sinfonia funebre." This powerful work was composed in response to the tragic events of World War II and reflects Atterberg's deep grief and anger. The first movement, "Pesante allegro - Molto più mosso," begins with a heavy, funeral-like march that gradually builds in intensity. The second movement, "Lento," is a hauntingly beautiful elegy, while the final movement, "Allegro molto - Tempo vivo," provides a defiant and triumphant conclusion.
Throughout the album, the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra delivers a stunning performance, bringing out the full range of emotions in Atterberg's music. Neeme Järvi's conducting is both precise and passionate, ensuring that every note is played with the utmost clarity and expression. Whether you are a longtime fan of classical music or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to captivate and inspire you.
Vinylscout