This recording of Symphony No. 16 strictly follows Pettersson's score, including the saxophone part, which is notable as changes have sometimes been made in other performances.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Pettersson aimed for balance in his music, specifically between dissonance and consonance, and tension and relaxation.
Performer Biography
Jörgen Pettersson, the alto saxophonist on this album, has had over 500 works dedicated to him due to his efforts to broaden the saxophone repertoire.
Composition History
Pettersson's Symphony No. 4 was completed in 1959 and, like most of his symphonies, is in a single movement.
Composer Biography
Allan Pettersson's major breakthrough came with the successful premiere of his Seventh Symphony in 1968, leading to two Swedish 'Grammis' awards in 1970.
Composition History
Symphony No. 16, Pettersson's last completed work, is written for the unusual combination of alto saxophone and orchestra and was dedicated to American saxophonist Frederick L. Hemke.
Composer Biography
Allan Pettersson (1911-1980) was a dedicated symphonist, composing symphonies throughout his active career from 1953 until his death in 1980.
