Day 55

Today I decided to go a little modern, and strangely enough, didn't find myself going as modern as I had hoped.

Side One:

Piece: Violinkonsert, op 42

1. Moderato

2. Andante pastorale

3. Allegro molto

Composer: Lars-Erik Larsson

Orchestra: Stockholm Philharmonic; Leo Berlin, violin

Conductor: Stig Westerberg

Record Date: 09/07/1976

Side Two:

Pieces: En vintersage, op. 18 (4 vinjetter till Shakespeares skadespel)

1. Siciliana

2. Intermezzo

3. Pastoral

4. Epilog

Concertino for violin och strakorkester, op. 45:8

1. Allegro moderato

2. Cavatina: Andante con moto

3. Finale: Allegro vivace

Composer: Lars-Erik Larsson

Orchestra: Stockholm Philharmonic; Leo Berlin, violin

Conductor: Stig Westerberg

Record Date: 01/04/1977, 05/13/1977

That's right, I choose a Swedish, 20th Century, composer, and it wasn't modern enough for me. But in all fairness, I was expecting Schoenberg, which is to say I was expecting something almost unlistenable. In the end though, this was rather enjoyable; the first piece, Violinkonsert, starts off with a pulsating orchestra, just loud enough where you don't think soft, but not so loud as to think moderate or normal volume. Then enters the solo violin; up and down, dancing and creating complex ideas and melodies. While the piece lacked some serious thoughts it fully makes up for this through being fun and at times surprising. The second and third pieces follow a similar patter, though I will admit that I didn't get a chance to listen as closely to these two as I would have liked, mainly due to the three women in my life being, well, being women (and yes I did just clump my fiancee and my two cats into the same category). Anyway, long story short, I have placed this record on the every lengthening list of "return to" and hope to one day find more of this Larsson, and enjoy.