Les 9 Symphonies

Description

Kurt Atterberg is quite well represented by the CPO label with the complete symphonies recorded separately and presented here in a box set. Unfortunately, a whole section of his work is missing: stage music, vocal music, and chamber music, a very interesting corpus that would be welcome to record. The style of this Swedish composer, born in 1884 and died in 1974, conductor and official representative of his country's music, is at the confluence of late Romanticism (Brahms, Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninov, Respighi) and a certain modern revival (Reger, Vaughan Williams). Nordic influences are often perceptible (Sibelius, Grieg), not to mention the proximity to his infinitely more visionary Scandinavian compatriots: Alfven, Stenhammar, and Nielsen. For Atterberg does not exceed certain stylistic boundaries, refraining from any real innovation in writing to stick to a remarkable sense of form and harmony, as well as an orchestral mastery due to his experience as a conductor. Thus, his symphonies are both cursive and scholarly architectures, with a clearly readable development and endowed with effective lyricism, often spectacular and close to stage or film music. Special mention goes to the Ninth, a spectacular fresco with choir and soloists, which exudes a deeper inspiration and authentic tragedy. Ari Rasilainen's interpretation with the Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra respects and illustrates the specifics of this generous music. His assertive conducting projects the orchestra towards the exact expression and atmosphere that suits each page. A happy initiative, this box set will delight fans of this singular composer. (Jérôme Angouillant)