Pettersson: Symphonies Nos. 5 & 7 Review

by Illiam Sebitz

Allan Pettersson is viewed as one of the most significant Swedish composers of the 20th century. Although his symphonies did not develop a dedicated worldwide following until the final decade of his life, Pettersson’s reputation grew because of his musical characteristics, strong contrasting shifts between colossal intensity and quiet relaxation, between complex dissonant passages and simple harmonious melodies and harmonies. The Norrköping Symphony Orchestra and Christian Lindberg are widely regarded as the leading Pettersson interpreters of our time and have captured the strong contrasts of Pettersson’s Fifth and Seventh Symphonies. The recording is a part of Lindberg’s list of recordings to complete Pettersson’s symphonies cycle for BIS, for The Allan Pettersson Project 2013-2019, a joint project with the Norrköping Symphony Orchestra. This is the tenth recording in their Pettersson series, and it maintains the high standard already set. The recording has seventeen tracks and is excellently recorded, and beautifully conducted by Lindberg with outstanding playing by the Norrköping Symphony Orchestra, especially the 7th Symphony.

The 5^th Symphony gives us sonic assurance that Pettersson was a modern romantic, think Mahler with a darker hue and more attention to the subtle pulse. Here, the Norrköping Symphony Orchestra performs the music with passion and authority. Lindberg’s direction is excellent, and he certainly builds a strong case for being the authority of Pettersson’s music. With the 5^th symphony, Pettersson’s writing is emotive of his own voice, but one can still hear Sibelian influences. Compared to the 7^th Symphony, there is not as much romantic thematic development. Hearing these two pieced together though is an outstanding pairing and takes the listener on a music journey of colors, emotions and strength that is seldom heard.

The 7^th Symphony starts off quietly, with a dark hue to the music Pettersson builds the motif with methodic mastery. Lindberg does a great job with the clarity of the simultaneous polyphonic lines and the balance of the intensity and density of orchestration during the climaxes. Another triumph of this recording is Lindberg’s ability and understanding of the role the pulse plays in Pettersson’s music. The unrelenting dirge must be brought out and felt in its emotive element, this gives space for revealing Pettersson’s dark, brooding melodic lines and harmony. Pettersson uses a single movement, the music is not as clearly divided into sections, but uses recurring themes throughout. The harmony is clearly conservatively tonal, but with stunningly superimposed passages of polytonality. Pettersson’s marked steady moderate tempi are adhered to and his quirky polyrhythms are clearly played and conducted.

The Norrköping Symphony Orchestra and Christian Lindberg have again created another impeccable Pettersson interpretation. Lindberg’s depth of understanding of the music and how to clearly convey the notes on the pages musical expression is stunning. The Norrköping Symphony Orchestra’s balance and execution is technically brilliant and emotionally charged. Highly recommend.

Tracks to sample first: Both Symphonies are composed as one musical statement and need to be heard as such. First choice is the 7^th Symphony. The one to take a chance on, although not a big one , is the 5^th Symphony.

• Conductor: Christian Lindberg
• Composer: Allan Pettersson
• Release Date: (April 6, 2018)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Hybrid SACD – DSD
• Label: BIS RECORDS

About the author

Illiam Sebitz

Born and raised in a picturesque European village, my fondness for music began during my formative years, when the charismatic tones of the recorder first filled the halls of my primary school. This early fascination escalated into my lifelong pursuit of embracing the melodious charm of the flute; I have even spent time refining my skills at a music conservatoire. As a seasoned music connoisseur, I find myself captivated by the multifaceted world of music. I enjoy writing music reviews to better enable me to explore genres as diverse as world, rock, jazz, classical, folk, and film music, each offering a unique auditory journey that enriches my life and intellect.

In my spare moments, you'll likely find me meticulously crafting my latest woodworking project, sharpening my skills with flute etudes, or inventing tales of fantasy through the art of creative writing. My eclectic interests and expertise harmonize to create a symphony of passion and curiosity that resonates within every aspect of my life as a music enthusiast.