jmc's classics
Today is the anniversary of the premier of the Third symphony of Franz Berwald (1796-1868) which happened in 1905 37 years after the death of the composer. He wrote at least three other symphonies that have survived. Three other numbered symphonies plus another one without a number which I do not know anything about. The Third is his most famous. It is given the nick name Singuliere (or the single one).
Berwald was a Swedish composer. He also worked as a physician and worked in a glass factory. He spent time in Vienna. One of the critics in Vienna Edouard Hanslik said that he lacked creative power and fantasy. Now he is regarded as Sweden's first great symphoniest. He also wrote three string quartets and several operas. Sweden is not known for opera but they have produced some great opera singers over the years. the Third is his best known it is in three movements instead of the standard four. The movements are : Allegro, Adagio and Presto. it lasts around a half hour. The version that I have is of the Berlin Philharminic with Igor Markovitch conducting on the Deutsche Grammophon label. It also includes Berwald's Fourth symphony along with Schubert's fourth Symphony. I also have the Second coupled with Berwald's Violin Concerto. It features the Orchestra di Asssar which is an Italian orchestra conducted by Roberto Tigani. It is coupled with Berwald's Violin Concerto wiht Marco Rogliano on the violin. it is on the Bongioboni Label which is also Italian. I did not think that Italians were in to Swedish music! I also have a CD of the string quartets. It is the Aggdrasil Qhartet on the BIS Label. BIS is a Swedish company.
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