Search - Pettersson, Westerberg, Swedish Radio Symphony :: Concerto 1 for Strings / Symphony 12

Language of the soul

paul best | new orleans | 07/25/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The CPO 12th is good, this rare OOP Caprice is far superior.

Pettersson once described his music as *the language once sung by the soul*. And so it truly is, soul-language. There is no composer who speaks witha such a intensity and causes my soul to live once again. The power of music has these healing benifits.

This 12th is a must hear and is part of Pettersson's Grand Symphonic Cycle, starting with Sym 6 going through Sym 15.

Some may feel sym 5 starts the cycle. I felt the 5th is too influenced with Sibelius. I am undecided as yet to include the 5th.

This rare Caprice is well worth any asking price.

The 12th is without doubt the most challenging of all the syms, one hour nonstop intensity. Not the place to begin in Pettersson, but do order while a copy is avaliable.

Chances are this may never come back to print.

Pettersson, the great unknown/undiscovered composer.

Either you are a PetterssonIAN or you are NOT.

There's no middle of the road with this music.

Romanticphiles for many reasons , fail to grasp this music.

.

Paul best

New Orleans

July 28,2008"