Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Swedish classical music with Hugo Alfvén's "Swedish Classical Masterpieces," a captivating collection of his most celebrated works. Released on August 6, 2025, under the prestigious Naxos Special Projects label, this album spans a generous 2 hours and 40 minutes, offering a comprehensive journey through Alfvén's diverse compositions.
Hugo Alfvén, a prominent figure in Swedish music, showcases his mastery across various genres and moods. The album opens with the stirring "III. Vision: Allegro moderato" and includes a variety of pieces such as the lively "Polka," the evocative "Kring hostlig vaktelds brander…," and the serene "Sommarsang (Summer Song)." Each track reveals Alfvén's ability to blend traditional Swedish folk influences with classical sophistication, creating a unique and enchanting soundscape.
From the pastoral beauty of "Pastoralsvit, Op. 13B: III. Saraband" to the vibrant energy of "IV. Finale - Rondo. Vivace," the album is a testament to Alfvén's versatility and artistic depth. The inclusion of choral works like "Pingst" and "Sommersalme" adds a rich, communal dimension to the collection, highlighting Alfvén's skill in composing for both solo and ensemble voices.
"Swedish Classical Masterpieces" is not just a compilation of tracks but a carefully curated exploration of Hugo Alfvén's musical legacy. Whether you're a longtime admirer of classical music or a newcomer looking to discover the treasures of Swedish composition, this album offers a rewarding and enriching listening experience.
2025 Naxos Records2025 Naxos Records
Tracks
III. Vision: Allegro moderatoKurt Atterberg, Henning Kraggerud, Dalasinfoniettan, Bjarte Engeset
VI. PolkaHugo Alfvén, National Symphony Orchestra Of Ireland, Niklas Willen
Kring hostlig vaktelds brander… (Around the glowing watchfire of autumn…) [Baritone, Chorus] [the Disguised God]Lars-Erik Larsson, Karin Ingeback, Anders Larsson, Frej Lindkvist, Amadei Chamber Choir, Swedish Chamber Orchestra, Petter Sundkvist
I. Preludium: Allegro moltoDag Wirén, Bournemouth Sinfonietta, Richard Studt
Adagio con espressionFranz Berwald, David Bergström, Tobias Ringborg
II. VivacissimoWilhelm Stenhammar, Niklas Sivelov, Malmö Symphony Orchestra, Mario Venzago
Fyra akvareller: No. 3. VaggsångTor Aulin, Göteborg Wind Orchestra, Göran Marcusson, Jerker Johansson
Pastoralsvit, Op. 13B: III. SarabandGunnar de Frumerie, Swedish Chamber Orchestra, Petter Sundkvist
SommersalmeWaldemar Åhlén, Akademisk Kor Århus, Ole Faurschou
I. Sondagsmorgon i skogen (Sunday Morning in the Forest)Hugo Alfvén, Norrköping Symphony Orchestra, Niklas Willen
I. Okenstamning: AdagioKurt Atterberg, Ferenc Balogh, Gyorgy Kertesz, Andras Kiss, Ilona Prunyi
AllegroJohan Helmich Roman, Uppsala Kammarorkester, Anthony Halstead
Gotländsk sommarnatt (Summer Night in Gotland) [Arr. B. Eklund and J. Johansson]Svante Pettersson, Peder Hansson, Gothenburg Musicians, Jerker Johansson
III. Menuetto. AllegrettoJoachim Nikolas Eggert, Gävle Symphony Orchestra, Gerard Korsten
I. Allegro moderatoDag Wirén, Wirén Quartet
Epilog aus "Ein Wintermärchen"Lars-Erik Larsson, Helsingborg Symphony Orchestra, Okko Kamu
I Seraillets Have (Second Movement From '3 Körvisor till dikter')Wilhelm Stenhammar, PianoBasso
Prologue: Rodaktigt lyktsken glanser… [There Is a red glow of light…] [Mezzo-soprano, Chorus]Hilding Rosenberg, Karin Ingeback, Anna Larsson, Anders Larsson, John Erik Eleby, Frej Lindkvist, Amadei Chamber Choir, Swedish Chamber Orchestra, Petter Sundkvist
MarciaDag Wirén, Helsingborg Symphony Orchestra, Okko Kamu
III. VivaceKurt Atterberg, Ilona Prunyi, New Budapest Quartet
III. Rondo. AllegrettoFranz Berwald, Tobias Ringborg, Swedish Chamber Orchestra, Niklas Willen
InterludeWilhelm Stenhammar, Helsingborg Symphony Orchestra, Okko Kamu
III: AllegroHugo Alfvén, National Symphony Orchestra Of Ireland, Niklas Willen