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BIS

Pettersson: Symphonies Nos 3 & 8

Modern Dramatic Triumphant Dark
$21.99

Details

Composer
Allan Pettersson
Artist
Norrkoping Symphony Orchestra
Format
SACD
Label
BIS
Released
Feb 27, 2026
Catalog #
BIS-2740
UPC
7318599927404

About

Since 2010, Christian Lindberg and the Norrköping Symphony Orchestra have embarked on a unique and ambitious project: a complete performance and recording cycle of the orchestral works of Allan Pettersson, the Swedish master symphonist renowned for his deeply personal and emotionally charged compositions. Premiered in 1956, Symphony No. 3 is distinctive within Pettersson's extensive symphonic output as his only symphony in four movements, adhering to a more traditional structure. While an early work reflecting influences of Shostakovich, Sibelius, and Mahler, it is far from a minor achievement. Though the lyrical passages that would later define his style are not yet fully developed, the symphony offers a concise and sharply etched musical landscape, both impressive and strikingly original. Symphony No. 8, premiered in 1972, is arguably Pettersson's most celebrated and frequently performed symphony. It's extended, often described as "free" or "never-ending," melodies create an impression of boundless continuation, yet the work is far from tranquil. As is characteristic of Pettersson, the symphony possesses a strong autobiographical element. In his own words: "The work I am working on is my own life, the one that is blessed, the one that is cursed: I devote myself to it in order to rediscover the song that the soul once sang."

Tracklist 6 tracks

  1. 1 Part I 19:32
    Track
    1
    Title
    Part I
    Duration
    19:32
    Composer
    Allan Pettersson
    Ensemble
    Norrköpings Symfoniorkester
    Conductor
    Christian Lindberg
  2. 2 Part II 25:14
    Track
    2
    Title
    Part II
    Duration
    25:14
    Composer
    Allan Pettersson
    Ensemble
    Norrköpings Symfoniorkester
    Conductor
    Christian Lindberg
  3. 3 I. Introduzione (Andante con moto): Allegro con moto 12:36
    Track
    3
    Title
    I. Introduzione (Andante con moto): Allegro con moto
    Duration
    12:36
    Composer
    Allan Pettersson
    Ensemble
    Norrköpings Symfoniorkester
    Conductor
    Christian Lindberg
  4. 4 II. Largo con espressione - 08:55
    Track
    4
    Title
    II. Largo con espressione -
    Duration
    08:55
    Composer
    Allan Pettersson
    Ensemble
    Norrköpings Symfoniorkester
    Conductor
    Christian Lindberg
  5. 5 III. Allegro comodo: Allegro deciso - 04:15
    Track
    5
    Title
    III. Allegro comodo: Allegro deciso -
    Duration
    04:15
    Composer
    Allan Pettersson
    Ensemble
    Norrköpings Symfoniorkester
    Conductor
    Christian Lindberg
  6. 6 IV. Allegro con moto (tempo di prima parte) 12:32
    Track
    6
    Title
    IV. Allegro con moto (tempo di prima parte)
    Duration
    12:32
    Composer
    Allan Pettersson
    Ensemble
    Norrköpings Symfoniorkester
    Conductor
    Christian Lindberg