Swedish Romantics: Wilhelm Peterson-Berger Symphonies

Wilhelm Peterson-Berger is best known for his songs and piano music, evocative of nature and reminiscent of Swedish folk music. These same qualities are also preeminent in his five symphonies and in his other large-scale works. While the symphonies lack the structural cohesion and emotional heft of those of his contemporaries Stenhammar and Alfven, their more intimate qualities have brought them many admirers.

Symphony No. 1 was begun in 1889, but not completed until 1903. Its sub-title The Banner and the titles of the individual movements derive from the struggles of the composer and his young colleagues to obtain a hearing in the conservative musical climate of Sweden at the end of the 19^th century. The entire symphony is based on two themes, the Banner theme itself and a secondary motif that is developed into the Defiant theme and a second, gentler theme. But the opening section of the first movement is quite serene and occasionally almost jolly, with plenty of Peterson-Berger’s typical folk-style. The central section, based on the Defiant theme, is more serious and the succeeding music, based on the Banner theme, is the most energetic of the movements, leading to a folk-like coda. The following scherzo movement may remind listeners of Mendelssohn or Svendson in its charm and provides a good contrast to the opening movement

Thirty years after The Banner, Peterson-Berger wrote his last completed symphony. This was begun not long after the composer had left his activities in Stockholm for a rustic retreat on the isle of Frösön. Although titled Solitudo (Solitude), Peterson-Berger claimed that this did not refer to his withdrawal from Stockholm. Whether this is true or not, the music definitely breathes the feelings of nature evoked by the composer’s new place of residence. The feeling of peace and quietude is further emphasized by the symphony’s tempo markings – “tranquillo” for three of the four movements.

The first movement is genial and quickly breaks into several related motifs – all typical of the composer. They finally coalesce in a quiet ending. The scherzo was described by the composer as a conversation among friends and this is evident in the alternation of its three themes. The Andante is a sort of hymn to nature and becomes steadily more serious – quite the most impressive music in the symphony. It dies away into the last movement – a series of vigorous dances which too die away into a tranquil ending.

Leif Segerstam possesses great understanding of Peterson-Berger’s unique mix of love for the natural beauty and for the folk-culture of Northern Sweden. In this sense his versions of these works are slightly more moving than the comparable ones. The Royal Opera Orchestra in Stockholm also shows greater feeling for the music. William Kreindler, Musicweb-international.com