There's a 'silent protagonist' on this recording: Carl Reinecke, a German composer and teacher, who taught both Andreas Hallén and Sara Wennerberg-Reuter, and indirectly Wilhelm Stenhammar.
Compositional Technique
A comparison of Hallén's Piano Quartet (second movement) and Stenhammar's Second Piano Concerto (third movement) reveals an unmistakable affinity in melody and accompaniment, suggesting a transfer of stylistic features.
Historical Context
This album portrays the development of Romanticism in Sweden through the music of three generations of composers: Andreas Hallén, Wilhelm Stenhammar, and Sara Wennerberg-Reuter.
Instruments
Johan Dalene, the violinist on this recording, plays a Stradivarius from 1725, known as the 'Duke of Cambridge, Spohr, ex Camilla Wicks', on loan from the Anders Sveaas' Charitable Foundation.
Recording & Production
Almost all musicians on this recording have received the prestigious Giresta Scholarship, awarded annually since 1989 by the Anders Wall Foundation.
Historical Context
Chamber music, including solo songs with piano, held a special place in Swedish art music around the turn of the last century, as composers could control its performance and promote it on tours.
Composer Biography
Sara Wennerberg-Reuter, a composer on this album, was known as Stockholm's only female organist with a permanent position, serving at the Sofia Church for 40 years.
