Hugo Alfven (1872-1960) is known outside of Sweden primarily for his symphonies. Yet, on evidence of this engaging release from Sterling, he was a fine composer of choral music as well. The cantata At the Turn of the Century was composed for the 1900 New Year’s day celebrations. From its Rigoletto style opening the music moves from to the solemn to the festive to the ceremonial, all in Alfven’s wonderfully lush harmonic language. The anthem-like third movement, with Lena Hoel’s fervent singing, is a special treat.
The Cantata for the 1917 Reformation Festivities in Uppsala (celebrating its 400th anniversary) is cast in the Bachian mode. A stern orchestral prelude sets the stage for a very well constructed, if somewhat by-the-book, fugue in the chorus. We encounter the romantic Alfven again in the Allegreto second movement, where chromatic brass fanfares contrast with a strict Bach-derived chorale. The dramatic finale combines all of the above elements and closes the work with a reverent rendition of the famous ‘reformation’ chorale “Our God is a safe stronghold”.
After such seriousness, The Bells (1900) for baritone and orchestra feels like a carousel ride. The bright, Christmasy harmonies and novel orchestration create a festive mood. Karl-Magnus Fredriksson’s singing is beautifully convincing throughout the piece, which travels through darkness before reemerging into light for a wonderful conclusion. The sound is a little over bright–which distracts from the illusion of ‘being there’, but is perfectly listenable. An enjoyable disc.
