Alfven, Hugo (1872-1960) - Complete Symphonies, Orchestral Works : Niklas Willen / Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Norrkoping Symphony Orchestra, etc +Swedish Favourites (7CD) - Import 7 CD Box

Credits:

Lewis, Paul

Description:

Born in Stockholm in 1872, Hugo Alveen studied violin at the Royal College of Music from 1887 to 1991, where he also took private composition lessons. During his studies, he also worked as a violinist at the Royal Opera House from 1890. He later studied violin and conducting in Europe, and upon his return to Japan, in 1910, he was appointed music director of Uppsala University, while at the same time serving as conductor of the Orphei-Drenger, one of the world's leading male choral ensembles, for 37 years. Alveen's First Symphony was written in 1897. Although most of his activities as a composer took place in the 20th century, he continued to write works in the late Romantic style based on tonality. Although he is sometimes regarded as a conservative composer, his lyrical melodies and emotionally rich harmonies are accessible and have a timeless appeal. In particular, Swedish Rhapsody No. 1 "Midsummer's All-Night Service" has been covered by Percy Faith and Mantovani. It was also performed in Japan as "The Secret the Wind Gave Me (Swedish Rhapsody)" on NHK's "Minna no Uta. Alveen excelled at watercolor painting and at one time tried to make a living as a painter. His music evokes Scandinavian nature and scenes, which is probably not unrelated to his talent.Incidentally, Alveen's nephew Hannes (Hans) was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1970. Niklas Villene, who conducts CDs 1 through 6, was born in 1961 and studied at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm. Like Alveen, he was born in Stockholm and studied at the Royal College of Music. He is the principal guest conductor of the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra and the principal conductor of the Cologne Radio Orchestra, and has performed mainly in Scandinavian countries, England, and Germany. The original plan for this boxed set was to include up to CD6, but due to strong requests for the inclusion of "Midsummer All-Night Service," CD7 was added. This is a collection of masterpieces of Swedish music conducted by master conductor Okko Kamm. Please enjoy it as well. Naxos Japan

Tracklisting:

1.Festspel, Op. 25 (Festival Overture)
2.Suite from Bergakungen ('The Mountain King')~I. Besvarjelse (Invocation)
3.Suite from Bergakungen ('The Mountain King')~II. Trollfickans dans (Dance of the Troll Maiden)
4.Suite from Bergakungen ('The Mountain King')~III. Sommarregn (Summer Rain)
5.Suite from Bergakungen ('The Mountain King')~IV. Vallflickans dans (Dance of the Shepherd Girl)
6.Uppsala-rapsodi, Op. 24 - Svensk rapsodi nr. 2 (Uppsala Rhapsody, Op. 24 - Swedish Rhapsody No. 2)
7.Symphony No. 1 in F minor, Op. 7~I. Grave - Allegro con brio
8.Symphony No. 1 in F minor, Op. 7~II. Andante
9.Symphony No. 1 in F minor, Op. 7~III. Allegro, molto scherzando
10.Symphony No. 1 in F minor, Op. 7~IV. Allegro, ma non troppo
11.Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 11~IV. Preludio: Adagio -
12.Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 11~Fuga: Allegro energico
13.Elegie (vid Emil Sjogrens bar), Op. 38 (Elegy, at Emil Sjogren's Funeral)
14.Midsommarvaka, Op. 19 - Svensk rapsodi nr. 1 (Midsummer Vigil, Op. 19 - Swedish Rhapsody No.1)

Alfven Collection List