I. Soldis. Lento 00:00-08:25 II. Storm. Con fuoco 08:25-19:00 III. Sommarnatt. Adagio - Molto vivace 19:00-37:10 Performed by Radio-Philharmonie Hannover Des NDR conducted by Ari Rasilainen.
This is just an amazing, awesome symphony. It sparkles with creativity. Clearly, it is working in the late Romantic tradition; Atterberg knows and respects Tchaikovsky, Mahler, Bruckner, and Sibelius, and we can hear that in his whole approach. Yet, he is fantastically innovative with the tradition he inherits. But the most important thing is that he knows how to craft a colorful, melodic, intriguing, and engaging work of art. This is a symphony for those who already love symphonies and for those who find most symphonies boring -- it speaks to many listeners on many levels. When I first heard it ten years ago, I was enraptured. I continue to listen to it, and it never ceases to fascinate me. Thank you for posting it.
Full of atmosphere, turbulent drama and heightened romance, Atterberg's West Coast Pictures (Sun Haze, Storm and Summer Night) offer a programmatic but also powerfully emotional musical response to a particular seascape. It's hard not to become completely caught up in the mighty, colourful, spacious and evocative orchestration. The third, and longest, movement is a thing of utter beauty and is probably my favourite of the three. If this composition is new to you, you're in for a real treat, especially as the performance and sound engineering are guaranteed to overwhelm you, elevating you to a higher plane........Magnificent upload!
I fully agree with previous commenters. This is an immensely powerful, purposeful, and moving work. Atterberg was a master symphonist (Sweden's best, IMO, and almost on a par with Nielsen and Sibelius), and a symphony like this could grace any concert program - if only concert programmers would not always go for the big names. Many thanks for yet another gorgeous post !
Quite possibly the _best_ symphony by this Swedish, or at least it is his most majestic and glorious utterance in this form. It's full of memorable tunes and gorgeous orchestration, all vividly depicted in a soaring way. I really love it. And that ending... oh God! if anyone doesn't feel moved by that, then I think his/her heart and soul are made of stone. It's incredibly uplifting beyond words.
That ending is truly beyond words, one of the best climaxes I can recall in the classical repertoire. The release at 36:04, with the violins playing those three notes until the quiet ending, symbolizing the radiant sun rising from the horizon...it never fails to bring me to tears.
![Kurt Atterberg - Symphony No. 3 ("Pictures of the West Coast") in D Major. Op. 10 [1916] (W/ Score)](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/RHebtt6JPu4/mqdefault.jpg)
This is just an amazing, awesome symphony. It sparkles with creativity. Clearly, it is working in the late Romantic tradition; Atterberg knows and respects Tchaikovsky, Mahler, Bruckner, and Sibelius, and we can hear that in his whole approach. Yet, he is fantastically innovative with the tradition he inherits. But the most important thing is that he knows how to craft a colorful, melodic, intriguing, and engaging work of art. This is a symphony for those who already love symphonies and for those who find most symphonies boring -- it speaks to many listeners on many levels. When I first heard it ten years ago, I was enraptured. I continue to listen to it, and it never ceases to fascinate me. Thank you for posting it.
Full of atmosphere, turbulent drama and heightened romance, Atterberg's West Coast Pictures (Sun Haze, Storm and Summer Night) offer a programmatic but also powerfully emotional musical response to a particular seascape. It's hard not to become completely caught up in the mighty, colourful, spacious and evocative orchestration. The third, and longest, movement is a thing of utter beauty and is probably my favourite of the three. If this composition is new to you, you're in for a real treat, especially as the performance and sound engineering are guaranteed to overwhelm you, elevating you to a higher plane........Magnificent upload!
Amazing symphony with a fantastic interpretation. I have found that any interp. led by Ari Rasilainen is worthy to explore.
New to this composer, but very impressed & intrigued.
Going to have to get the cycle 👍
Thanks for posting.
That last movement reminded me of portions of the last movement of Mahler's symphony no. 3 for.some reason, except the quiet ending.
The best recording of this symphony that I've heard. Splendid.
00:00 - I. Soldis. Lento.
08:28 - II. Storm. Con fuoco.
19:05 - III. Sommarnatt. Adagio - Molto vivace.
That ending! My God!
This is amazing!
I find it quite superior to the his previous two symphonies. All movements are great, eventful and filled with interest.
Humanity deeply thanks Sweden for Atterberg and Stenhammar. ❤
Criminal neglect. Criminal!
I fully agree with previous commenters. This is an immensely powerful, purposeful, and moving work. Atterberg was a master symphonist (Sweden's best, IMO, and almost on a par with Nielsen and Sibelius), and a symphony like this could grace any concert program - if only concert programmers would not always go for the big names. Many thanks for yet another gorgeous post !
An incredible intense dramatic work. It is just what I look for in my listening experiences.
Quite possibly the _best_ symphony by this Swedish, or at least it is his most majestic and glorious utterance in this form. It's full of memorable tunes and gorgeous orchestration, all vividly depicted in a soaring way. I really love it. And that ending... oh God! if anyone doesn't feel moved by that, then I think his/her heart and soul are made of stone. It's incredibly uplifting beyond words.
That ending is truly beyond words, one of the best climaxes I can recall in the classical repertoire. The release at 36:04, with the violins playing those three notes until the quiet ending, symbolizing the radiant sun rising from the horizon...it never fails to bring me to tears.