Alfven: Symphony No. 4, Op. 39 / Festival Overture, Op. 52

Featuring

Arndís Halla
Jóhann Valdimarsson
Sigrún Eðvaldsdóttir
Richard Talkowsky
Kristjan Stephensen
Niklas Willén

Iceland Symphony Orchestra
Hugo Alfvén

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Composer Biography

Hugo Alfvén, the composer, is considered one of the most significant Swedish composers after Berwald in his native country.

Compositional Technique

Alfvén's Symphony No. 4 controversially uses two voices, soprano and tenor, as part of the orchestral apparatus, though a precedent existed in Nielsen's Third Symphony.

Composer Biography

Before dedicating himself to composition, Hugo Alfvén spent two years as a violinist in the opera orchestra.

Critical Reception

The Symphony No. 4 received general acclaim at its premiere and subsequent performances in Europe, despite reservations from some critics about its use of voices and its erotic program.

Composition History

Alfvén's Symphony No. 4, 'From the Outermost Skerries', was inspired by his experiences of the Stockholm archipelago and took several years to complete, with work progressing fitfully.

Performer Biography

The Iceland Symphony Orchestra, established in 1950, gives approximately sixty concerts each season and has collaborated with renowned guest artists such as Vladimir Ashkenazy and Yehudi Menuhin.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Hugo Alfvén was a gifted watercolourist and author, which equipped him to depict the unique island landscape of the Stockholm archipelago, where he spent much of his formative years.