Orchestral Works Vol 1;

A Master of Classical Modernism Rangström, Wirén, Pettersson, Atterberg, Peterson-Berger: these names represent high points in Swedish music history and have found a discographic home on cpo. Today I would like to add another important name to this Swedish Olympus of composers: Lars-Erik Larsson. Along with Dag Wirén, Larsson currently continues to number among the most popular composers of classical modernism in Sweden. Their popularity of course is explained in part by the fact that both continued to abide by the tradition of tonality without being epigonic reactionaries. Andrew Manze, to whom cpo owes a wonderfully inspired edition of the Brahms symphonies, is now presenting a new recording with Larsson's most important symphonic works as performed by his very own Helsingborg Orchestra. One of Larsson's three symphonies forms the focus of each of the three CDs. And now, to begin, the first symphony. Brimming with natural freshness and youthful new beginnings, it reflects Larsson's enthusiasm for the first two symphonies of Sibelius and in melodic respects, especially in its last two movements, is also guided by Carl Nielsen. Even in this early work Larsson displays mastery commanding respect.