The Once-Famous Symphony
Edith Swanek | Anaheim, Ca | 09/19/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This is the symphony that was for six months after its "contest" composition considered the harbinger of a new, neo-romantic symphonic tradition. Then, any number of music critics, who had never penned a note in their lives, began to claim Atterberg had lifted quotations from any number of other "better" men. And unlike Bartok, who quoted Shostakovich insultingly in the Concerto for Orchestra, Atterberg was accused of NOT parodying their work! Shame! His reputation was ruined, even though a careful analysis showed that he had actually only quoted Schubert, which Atterberg thought appropriate in that it was a contest honoring Schubert...Hopefully, we'll make up in the 21st century for ignoring this fine composer in the 20th!"
Major Romantic Symphony
Daniel G. Berk | West Bloomfield, Michigan | 04/18/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If one has exhausted the basic repertoire of romantic symphonies, and is despairing that there are no more beautiful romantic symphonies to enjoy for the first time (and many times thereafter), despair not. Kurt Atterberg is not particularly well-known outside his native Sweden, but his romantic style should be very appealing to those who are willing to try a less-familiar composer. The investment in time will pay dividends."