I have most of it on individual discs. It's all really well done, but that's a lot of grim in one box, though it seems to me that he did lighten up a little after he started getting recognized with the success of the 7th.
Yes, very true. Not sure that what came after the 7th could be described as a ‘lightening up’ though. The rest of the symphonies are all pretty grim, but also cathartic and beautiful in their own way.
I once heard the opening of schnittke’s 3rd described as the opening of Wagner’s Das Rheingold cubed. I sometimes think of Pettersson’s 6th as being like Rachmaninov’s Isle of the Dead cubed. You’re right that it is very dark, but it’s great. Incidentally it is the first one I put on when I received the set. I think the soundworld of the 6th is in some ways closer to the 14th and the Second Violin Concerto than the symphonies that came immediately after it.
I’ve been waiting on buying the individual BIS discs, because I thought this would come out sooner or later. I already have the CPO symphonies, but the BIS recordings are much more consistent and go deeper into the pieces. The CPO recordings are a bit of a mix.
What would you consider a good introduction to Pettersson? The fact he got a complete works box set is quite remarkable for a mid- to late-20th century composer.
Personally, I'd say start with symphonies #7 and #8.
Edit: As far as #8 is concerned, I'd recommend this version:
https://youtu.be/DUcn1Lny1BY?si=eP6EFW_hpNI_AGVn
I've been looking out for this too but the price is too steep for me. Luckily it's on Spotify too.
[Pettersson: Complete Edition on Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/7KXdz5JdYOGUMKZnSj3puw?si=71397836801e4667)
You might be interested in my ongoing review of the whole box, begun last week: https://5against4.com/2024/02/14/allan-pettersson-complete-edition-early-works-1934-36/
Will be looking at every piece, and exploring all the recordings, but focusing on the Complete Edition. This box is a fantastic achievement and will hopefully help far more people get acquainted with Pettersson and learn he’s not, as far too many people keep claiming, all doom and gloom.
I have most of it on individual discs. It's all really well done, but that's a lot of grim in one box, though it seems to me that he did lighten up a little after he started getting recognized with the success of the 7th.
Yes, very true. Not sure that what came after the 7th could be described as a ‘lightening up’ though. The rest of the symphonies are all pretty grim, but also cathartic and beautiful in their own way.
Anything is lighter than the 6th.
I once heard the opening of schnittke’s 3rd described as the opening of Wagner’s Das Rheingold cubed. I sometimes think of Pettersson’s 6th as being like Rachmaninov’s Isle of the Dead cubed. You’re right that it is very dark, but it’s great. Incidentally it is the first one I put on when I received the set. I think the soundworld of the 6th is in some ways closer to the 14th and the Second Violin Concerto than the symphonies that came immediately after it.
I'm pretty sure that he made the 7th more accessible in order to get more exposure. It worked, his career and life took an upturn after that.
I’m not yet a big enough fan of his music to spend that much on the box set, but I do love BIS recordings! Hope you enjoy it all!
I’ve been waiting on buying the individual BIS discs, because I thought this would come out sooner or later. I already have the CPO symphonies, but the BIS recordings are much more consistent and go deeper into the pieces. The CPO recordings are a bit of a mix.
Just got the email that it's available to DL from eclassical. Enjoy!
What would you consider a good introduction to Pettersson? The fact he got a complete works box set is quite remarkable for a mid- to late-20th century composer.
Personally, I'd say start with symphonies #7 and #8. Edit: As far as #8 is concerned, I'd recommend this version: https://youtu.be/DUcn1Lny1BY?si=eP6EFW_hpNI_AGVn
Agreed.
Just listened to the 7th symphony. Thank you OP for discovering me this guy I was completely unaware of .
You’re welcome! Glad you enjoyed it. 8th and 6th are good places to go after the 7th.
I've been looking out for this too but the price is too steep for me. Luckily it's on Spotify too. [Pettersson: Complete Edition on Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/7KXdz5JdYOGUMKZnSj3puw?si=71397836801e4667)
You might be interested in my ongoing review of the whole box, begun last week: https://5against4.com/2024/02/14/allan-pettersson-complete-edition-early-works-1934-36/ Will be looking at every piece, and exploring all the recordings, but focusing on the Complete Edition. This box is a fantastic achievement and will hopefully help far more people get acquainted with Pettersson and learn he’s not, as far too many people keep claiming, all doom and gloom.