Symphony No. 1 In F Major: 1. Tempo molto tranquillo - Allegro
Symphony No. 1 In F Major: 2. Andante con moto
Symphony No. 1 In F Major: 3. Allegro amabile
Symphony No. 1 In F Major: 4. Allegro non tanto, ma con fuoco - Tranquillo
Track Listings (9) - Disc #2
Serenade In F Major, Op. 31: 1. Overtura: Allegrissimo
Serenade In F Major, Op. 31: 2. Canzonetta: Tempo di valse, un poco tranquillo - (attacca)
Serenade In F Major, Op. 31: 3. Scherzo: Presto - (attacca)
Serenade In F Major, Op. 31: 4. Notturno: Andante sostenuto
Serenade In F Major, Op. 31: 5. Finale: Tempo moderato
Symphony No. 2 In G Minor, Op. 34: 1. Allegro energico
Symphony No. 2 In G Minor, Op. 34: 2. Andante
Symphony No. 2 In G Minor, Op. 34: 3. Scherzo: Allegro, ma non troppo presto
Symphony No. 2 In G Minor, Op. 34: 4. Finale: Sostenuto - Allegro vivace
Wilhelm Stenhammar (1871-1927) was a fine Swedish late-Romantic composer whose Serenade in F became a popular item on LP. Here it is again, along with his two Symphonies and a concert overture, in performances by an orches... more »tra he directed for 15 years. This same conductor and orchestra made excellent recordings of these works for the BIS label, which are still highly enjoyable. But these remakes show similar fine sound and more refined, better-executed performances. Either recording will introduce you to a composer who never deserved his neglect. --Leslie Gerber« less
Wilhelm Stenhammar (1871-1927) was a fine Swedish late-Romantic composer whose Serenade in F became a popular item on LP. Here it is again, along with his two Symphonies and a concert overture, in performances by an orchestra he directed for 15 years. This same conductor and orchestra made excellent recordings of these works for the BIS label, which are still highly enjoyable. But these remakes show similar fine sound and more refined, better-executed performances. Either recording will introduce you to a composer who never deserved his neglect. --Leslie Gerber
CD Reviews
More Superlatives, Please!!!
Robert Thomas | Los Angeles, CA | 03/08/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"These works are monumental.
I make it my policy not to mention other reviewers in my reviews, but here I am forced to make an exception.
Amazon top 500 reviewer Melvyn Sobel refers to this music as 'derivitive' and 'uninspired'. In his quest to reach the top of the Amazon review list, I seriously doubt that he has invested the time needed to fully appreciate this music.
Fortunately, I have taken the time and listened many times to multiple recordings of Stenhammars inspired and original works.
An accurate description of this music is that yes, it does bear a resemblance to Bruckner, but I can name a dozen of other great composers where the Brucknerian influence can be acutely felt. The two main differences between Stenhammar and my beloved Bruckner is that the former employs stronger, more memorable thematic and melodic material (NOT weaker, as Mr. Sobel claims), and writes in a more elegant, less brutal vein.
If you commit to buying this CD, please take the time to listen at least several times before forming an opinion. These sprawling, gorgeous, lush symphonies will soon unfold and reveal themselves as worthy of standing side by side with the great works in the symphonic literature.
Can you live without these symphonies in your collection?
Don't risk it, if you value your soul.
Enjoy!"
BETTER STENHAMMAR TO BE HAD
Melvyn M. Sobel | Freeport (Long Island), New York | 12/11/2000
(3 out of 5 stars)
"For me the Stenhammar Symphonies are not altogether convincing; I find much that is derivative---e.g. Sibelius and Nielsen, sans the inspiration. There is a general lack of memorable material, thematic or otherwise, and length, too often, is substituted for substance.
This is not the case, however, with his Serenade in F, Op. 31, the very jewel of Stenhammar's orchestral output, bar none, and a symphonic work that will stand the test of time (that cruel harbinger!). Unfortunately, in this particular recording, unlike his performance on BIS (strongly recommended), Jarvi excludes the absolutely gorgeous "Reverenza" movement from the Serenade. Why he did this, I haven't the faintest idea--- but in so doing, he makes this rendition entirely uncompetitive and incomplete.
The Excelsior! (Symphonic Overture), Op. 13, featuring a lush violin solo, hints boldly at Mendelssohn and Wagner; yet, it is still distinctly uninvolving.
Jarvi conducts the GSO well enough here--- although since this was Stenhammar's own orchestra for fifteen seasons, one might expect a touch more sympathy. He seems to me a tad "detached." As well, the recorded sound itself is not up to full measure: it's thin, wiry, lacking bloom, depth and warmth.
[Running time--- CD 1: 63:43 CD 2: 74:54]
"
Wonderfully performed repertoire with a Brucknerian flavour
Giacomo C. | 09/20/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Jarvi and the Goteborgs Symfoniker give a committed and stirring account of all four pieces here. The recording is well done, no complaints about the sound.
The music of Stenhammar is not given the recognition it deserves - these are all strong works, well worth hearing. Especially if you love the symphonies of Bruckner, Stenhammar's two will certainly satisfy.
Whole heartedly recommeded to all lovers of late romantic symphonies."
Neeme Järvi is good - BUT Stig Westerberg is better
Hannibal | Los Angeles, CA USA | 08/23/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"One has to applaud Neeme Järvi's championing the music of Wilhelm Stenhammar, but the lukewarm reception given by some of the critics here to Stenhammar's music can only be explained by their sole hearing of Järvi's ubiquitous interpretations and the "cool" and somewhat "mechanical" approach he takes.
To fully appreciate the magical beauty that lies in these scores (particularly the Second Symphony and the Serenade in F) one has to listen to them being conducted by the great Swedish conductor Stig Westerberg who brings out the rhapsodic beauty and tenderness that Järvi cannot, or simply, does not.
As a famous critic once said: "If you haven't heard Bruckner conducted by Wilhelm Furtwängler, you haven't heard Bruckner." - Similarly, I say, "if you haven't heard Stenhammar conducted by Stig Westerberg, you haven't heard Stenhammar." - Search out Westerberg's recordings, and I'm sure you'll agree."
Track Listings (5) - Disc #1