Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Swedish classical music with Hugo Alfvén's "Swedish Classical Masterpieces," a comprehensive collection of his most celebrated works. Released on August 6, 2025, under the Naxos Special Projects label, this album spans a generous 2 hours and 40 minutes, offering a deep dive into Alfvén's compositions that beautifully capture the essence of Swedish landscapes and folklore.
The album features a diverse range of pieces, from the lively "Polka" and the serene "Sommarsang (Summer Song)" to the dramatic "Pastoralsvit, Op. 13B: III. Saraband" and the enchanting "Gotländsk sommarnatt (Summer Night in Gotland)." Alfvén's mastery of orchestration and his ability to evoke vivid imagery through music are evident throughout. The inclusion of vocal pieces like "Kring hostlig vaktelds brander…" and "Prologue: Rodaktigt lyktsken glanser…" adds a layer of narrative depth, showcasing Alfvén's versatility as a composer.
This collection is a testament to Alfvén's enduring legacy, presenting his works in a way that highlights their timeless appeal. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer looking to explore the genre, "Swedish Classical Masterpieces" offers a rewarding listening experience that celebrates the beauty and complexity of Alfvén's musical vision.
2025 Naxos Records2025 Naxos Records
Tracks
III. Vision: Allegro moderatoKurt Atterberg, Henning Kraggerud, Dalasinfoniettan, Bjarte Engeset
VI. PolkaHugo Alfvén, National Symphony Orchestra Of Ireland, Niklas Willen
Kring hostlig vaktelds brander… (Around the glowing watchfire of autumn…) [Baritone, Chorus] [the Disguised God]Lars-Erik Larsson, Karin Ingeback, Anders Larsson, Frej Lindkvist, Amadei Chamber Choir, Swedish Chamber Orchestra, Petter Sundkvist
I. Preludium: Allegro moltoDag Wirén, Bournemouth Sinfonietta, Richard Studt
Adagio con espressionFranz Berwald, David Bergström, Tobias Ringborg
II. VivacissimoWilhelm Stenhammar, Niklas Sivelov, Malmö Symphony Orchestra, Mario Venzago
Fyra akvareller: No. 3. VaggsångTor Aulin, Göteborg Wind Orchestra, Göran Marcusson, Jerker Johansson
Pastoralsvit, Op. 13B: III. SarabandGunnar de Frumerie, Swedish Chamber Orchestra, Petter Sundkvist
SommersalmeWaldemar Åhlén, Akademisk Kor Århus, Ole Faurschou
I. Sondagsmorgon i skogen (Sunday Morning in the Forest)Hugo Alfvén, Norrköping Symphony Orchestra, Niklas Willen
I. Okenstamning: AdagioKurt Atterberg, Ferenc Balogh, Gyorgy Kertesz, Andras Kiss, Ilona Prunyi
AllegroJohan Helmich Roman, Uppsala Kammarorkester, Anthony Halstead
Gotländsk sommarnatt (Summer Night in Gotland) [Arr. B. Eklund and J. Johansson]Svante Pettersson, Peder Hansson, Gothenburg Musicians, Jerker Johansson
III. Menuetto. AllegrettoJoachim Nikolas Eggert, Gävle Symphony Orchestra, Gerard Korsten
I. Allegro moderatoDag Wirén, Wirén Quartet
Epilog aus "Ein Wintermärchen"Lars-Erik Larsson, Helsingborg Symphony Orchestra, Okko Kamu
I Seraillets Have (Second Movement From '3 Körvisor till dikter')Wilhelm Stenhammar, PianoBasso
Prologue: Rodaktigt lyktsken glanser… [There Is a red glow of light…] [Mezzo-soprano, Chorus]Hilding Rosenberg, Karin Ingeback, Anna Larsson, Anders Larsson, John Erik Eleby, Frej Lindkvist, Amadei Chamber Choir, Swedish Chamber Orchestra, Petter Sundkvist
MarciaDag Wirén, Helsingborg Symphony Orchestra, Okko Kamu
III. VivaceKurt Atterberg, Ilona Prunyi, New Budapest Quartet
III. Rondo. AllegrettoFranz Berwald, Tobias Ringborg, Swedish Chamber Orchestra, Niklas Willen
InterludeWilhelm Stenhammar, Helsingborg Symphony Orchestra, Okko Kamu
III: AllegroHugo Alfvén, National Symphony Orchestra Of Ireland, Niklas Willen