Bright and lively music from the Swedish composer
Dag Wirén is unveiled here in surround-sound by
the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and Rumon
Gamba, only a few years after the completion of
their Grammy-nominated and highly acclaimed
series devoted to the neglected orchestral
treasures of Vincent d'Indy.
In this unique recording Gamba uses the large
body of a full symphonic string section, rather than
the somewhat smaller-scale chamber orchestra
setup that has tended to be used for this music in
the past. The effect is a more complete expression
of the wit and strength of these works. Designed to
‘entertain and amuse', as the composer put it in a
note, the widely popular Serenade for Strings is
here given an even more brilliant and powerful
touch.
Other, lesser-known works on the album similarly
showcase a composer of fascinating range, who
could write light and humorous pieces such as the
Sinfonietta and the lively Symphony No. 3, as well
as powerful, rhythmical, and serious works, of
which the later Divertimento is an example.
Symphony No.3, Op.20 (1943-44) 24:43
1. I. Allegro
2. II. Adagio
3. III. Allegro Molto
Serenade, Op.11 (1937) 15:28
4. I. Preludium
5. II. Andante Espressivo
6. III. Scherzo
7. IV. Marcia
Serenade, Op.11 (1937) 15:28
8. I. Moderato
9. II. Allegro Moderato
10. III. Andantino
11. IV. Allegro Moderato
Sinfonietta, Op.7a (1933-34, revised 1939) 17:41
12. I. Molto Allegro Ad Energico
13. II. Andante Espressivo
14. III. Molto Allegro
Total time: 70:18 |
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