For the first time, a boxed set brings together the complete works of Allan Pettersson, including his seventeen symphonies, chamber music, vocal works and previously...

For the first time, a boxed set brings together the complete works of Allan Pettersson, including his seventeen symphonies, chamber music, vocal works and previously unpublished works performed here by some of the Nordic countries’ leading musicians and orchestras. This collection bears witness to BIS Records’ enduring commitment to this 20th-century Swedish music giant. These recordings have earned numerous awards and the highest critical acclaim from the specialist press around the world.

Allan Pettersson’s music has a very distinctive quality and can hardly be confused with that of any other twentieth-century composer, although it can perhaps be compared with Mahler’s symphonic output, particularly in terms of grandiose conception, passion and dynamism. He considered his own sufferings and blessings, especially from childhood, the source of his creativity.

With this box, a separate booklet with the complete index to the recordings and works included is provided, as a key to the many hours of music that form the lifework of Allan Pettersson. Also included are 4 DVDs presenting the composer, some of his works and musicians who knew him.

DVD CONTENTS:

• Allan Pettersson — The First Symphony

Picture format: NTSC — 16:9 · Sound format: Dolby Digital — Stereo · Region code: 0 Languages: Swedish, with English, German and French subtitles · Total time: 58 minutes

• Människans röst (Vox Humana — The Voice of Man)

Picture format: NTSC — 16:9 & 4:3 pillar box · Sound format: Dolby Digital — Stereo
Region code: 0 Languages: Swedish, with English subtitles · Total time: 81 minutes

• Vem fan är Allan Pettersson? (Who the hell is Allan Pettersson?)

Picture format: NTSC — 4:3 pillar box · Sound format: Dolby Digital — Stereo · Region code: 0 Languages: Swedish, with English subtitles · Total time: 52 minutes

• Sången om livet (The Song of Life)

Picture format: NTSC — 4:3 pillar box · Sound format: Dolby Digital — Stereo · Region code: 0 Languages: Swedish, with English subtitles · Total time: 1 hour 58 minutes

Past praise for previously released volumes included in this set:

Pettersson: Symphonies Nos. 5 & 7 / Lindberg, Norrköping Symphony

Lindberg’s Seventh is very fine, excellently performed and often very exciting. In the equally compelling Fifth, the conductor builds the long, tense climaxes with greater clarity, and no loss of sheer power.

-- ClassicsToday.com (David Hurwitz)

Pettersson: Symphonies Nos. 4 & 16 / Lindberg, Norrköping Symphony

The music is solemn, closely wrought, and often demanding, but these two symphonies are given compelling performances, and provide a good entree into Pettersson’s music. The Fourth Symphony is often characteristically gnarled, but boasts many stretches of tonal harmony that land with a beatific glow. In some ways even more striking is the Symphony No. 16, Pettersson’s last completed symphony, whose expansive part for alto saxophone gives the piece a concerto-like sensibility.

-- San Francisco Chronicle

Pettersson: Symphony No. 15 - Viola Concerto

The Norrköping Symphony Orchestra deliver world-class playing for conductor Christian Lindberg. The Viola Concerto has a much more lyrical quality that's captured beautifully by soloist Ellen Nisbeth; for many hearers, she will be the true star of the recording.

-- AllMusic.com (James Manheim)