Search - Kallstenius, Persson, Andersson :: Kallstenius: Dalarapsodi / Sangoffer / Symphony 2

Edvin Kallstenius (Sweden, 1881-1967) or "the distant sound"

Thanh Tam Le | Paris, France | 07/30/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This "distant sound" was a constant obsession of his. The reference to Schreker's opera (Der ferne Klang) is by no means coincidental, for it did act as a kind of revelation on the young Kallstenius. Schreker's style itself left no trace on his own, but his whole output seems to have been such a quest, beyond the immediate appeal of seducing sonorities, pleasing modulations, saturated orchestral frescoes. This Phono Suecia CD was scarcely noticed by many, but I find it truly outstanding. Apart from the Dalecarlian Rhapsody, one of Kallstenius's more outgoing works, and the fine setting of Tagore poems from the Lyrical Offering, it gives us the first opportunity to hear a Kallstenius symphony, his 2nd, which he apparently considered his best achievement. In short, it is both articulate and elliptic, slightly Mahlerian and Sibelian (but still his own, very much so), enigmatic and compassionate. The second part is most remarkable, almost dream-like: melodic elements are there indeed, but suspended, and appear to be connected together by invisible (inaudible) threads, although their reality seems unquestionable. So little is physically uttered, and yet the music has much beauty, presence, radiance. Although this symphony might be a bit disconcerting at first, it belongs to the true gems of Nordic music."

Subtle music

Viktor P. | Solna, Sweden | 03/01/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Few things could be more welcome than finally a CD with music of this, even in his home country, most forgotten Swedish composer Edvin Kallstenius. This sensitive, subtle, exquisite and very original, not to say idiosyncratic, music has definitely been held away from the public just all too long, and again it is proved that geniality is in no way guaranteeing success - except, perhaps, in the very long run? Now, let's hope soon to hear more of this highly personal and somewhat neaclassical romanticism, if this expression be allowed, of the most universal interest."