LARS-ERIK LARSSON (1908-1986): Symphony No. 3 in C Minor, Op. 4, 3 Orchestral Pieces, Op. 49, Adagio for String Orchestra, Op. 48, Musica permutatio, Op. 66.

Description: This is the first recording of  Larsson’s Third since the 1978 analogue BIS LP live taping which was reissued on CD 29 Years ago. Dating from 1944-45, it’s a 36-minute work in four movements which almost bristles with kinetic energy except for its slow movement which looks back to turn-of-the-century German Romanticism,. A dynamic scherzo with a playful trio section and an exuberant Allegro molto finale make for an utterly winning piece. The couplings of Opp. 48 and 49 date from 1960 and will be of interest to serious Scandinavian orchestral collectors since they show Larsson experimenting with twelve-tone techniques - something not normally associated with him. They “sound tonal” though and, except for the lively three-minute second of the Pieces, are notable for their muted, dark and somber lyricism - think of it as Swedish winter music. The 1980 Musica is a deal more approachable, with a lively central section setting off its reserved outer parts. 73 minutes in all on this third and last Larsson orchestral disc from cpo. Helsingborg Symphony Orchestra; Andrew Manze.