Kallstenius: Orchestral Works

Featuring

Frank Beermann
Helsingborgs Symfoniorkester
Edvin Kallstenius

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Composer Biography

Edvin Kallstenius, a Swedish composer, initially studied natural sciences at Lund University for five years before pursuing music at the Leipzig Conservatory.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Edvin Kallstenius maintained an individual and rigorous style, avoiding a monolithic tonal language by using intense melodies, broadened harmony, and alternating between romantic and expressionistic gestures.

Composer Biography

Edvin Kallstenius held significant administrative roles, including pioneer music librarian at the Swedish Broadcasting Corporation and board member and treasurer of the Society of Swedish Composers.

Composition History

Edvin Kallstenius composed 63 opus-numbered works and approximately the same number of unnumbered pieces, primarily songs and a cappella choirs, between 1904 and 1966.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Edvin Kallstenius was not satisfied with his formal music studies in Leipzig, finding more inspiration from concerts by Arthur Nikisch, works by Reger and Debussy, and Franz Schreker's opera 'Die ferne Klang'.

Critical Reception

Edvin Kallstenius was sometimes considered harsh and obstinate, earning the nickname 'Gallstonius', and was seen as a modernist against his will during a time when the term was an insult.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Despite his unique harmonic language, Edvin Kallstenius often used traditional forms, admiring Beethoven and believing old forms still had much to offer, even naming an orchestral piece 'New wine in old bottles'.