Customer Reviews

Allan Pettersson: Symphonies Nos. 5 & 16

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Here is yet another excellent sym from Pettersson , and I prefer this one, slightly so, to the BIS recording. Although you do need the BIS 5th as it has the viola concerto.
To newbies in AP, if you've heard his 6,7,8th syms, and did not find them your cup of tea, no use hearing the 5th. As the 5th is another link in the grand symphonic cycle, starting with sym 2(AP does not have a numbered 1) then through sym 11, skipping over 12 as it is a choral work, then moving to 13, 14, 15.

EDIT :
After several yrs of knowing pettersson's syms,. I've come to the conclusion that syms 2,3,4, and even 5 (though in the 5th Pettersson's individual unique sound world is taking substansive form and shape), are clearly under the Sibelian influence, too much roamtic themeatic material to be considered part of the great symphonic cycle that starts at sym 6 and contiues through 7,8,9,10,11,13,14,15. 12 is a 'choral sym". 16 is a "sax concerto".
EDIT:
Upon further consideration the sym 12, though choral with orch, surely belongs in the Grand Symphony Cycle. In fact the 12th may be the high point, the pinnacle of the series. If only you could experience the Caprice label recording, which is OOP. The CPO is good, but never reaches the sheer intensity of the Caprice.
Aug 12,2008

<<<<<<<EDIT>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Jan 9,2011
I perhaps thing P's syms actually start at sym *2* (there is no 1st) and goes through Sym 15,,# 16 is too odd.
The Choral Sym 12, is something UNREAL in emotion and intensity, perhaps that one may be included as part of the sym, well P number it as *12*, so yes include that one also.
Here we havea symphonic cycle going thuough 14 syms as a organic symphonic composite. UNRREAL.
No other composer has a cycle of 14 syms!!!
Pettersson, the unknown composer , which will take another 25 yrs before he attains his positioned status as the greatest of all symphonistists.