Symphony No.2 in F major - Kurt Atterberg

Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra conducted by Ari Rasilainen

I - Allegro con moto - Maestoso - Largamente: 0:00
II - Adagio - Presto - Adagio - Presto - Adagio: 12:51
III - Allegro con fuoco - Tranquillo - Adagio - Tempo I - Maestoso: 28:51

The second symphony of Kurt Atterberg was begun during the autumn of 1911, ending the first and the second movements, which comprises a combination of a slow movement and a scherzo. This first version in two movements was premiered on December 12, 1912 in Göteborg, conducted by the composer himself.

The critic considered it as an incomplete work despite the considerations of its author. But finally convinced, he made a new version in three movements that premiered on July 27, 1913 in Sonderhausen, directed by Carl Corbach. Sonderhausen is a town in Thuringia, located in the center of Germany, famous for its great musical tradition. The work was well received in Germany being directed among others by Arthur Nikisch, Richard Strauss and Siegmund von Hausegger.

The first movement begins with a theme full of impetus, illuminated by metals. The contrasting theme is melodic, derived from the main one. The development section increases the drama. It ends with a classic recapitulation, in whose final part the main theme is solemnly interpreted.

The second movement is the most complex, alternating slow and fast forms. Performs the function of a slow movement and a scherzo in combination. According to its author, it was not necessary to carry out a continuation of the work, since its monumental nature did not require it. The first section is an adagio of a widely melodic type. It is followed by the first part of a rhythmic scherzo. Continue with a development section. In the final part is a section initiated by the trumpet, which goes from minor to a major tonality in a way similar to Mahler. Then the trunk takes the main theme accompanied by the strings in a Wagnerian way. The orchestra interprets the theme majestically taking it to the final coda.

The last movement presents a main theme of heroic character followed by a second more lyrical theme. The atmosphere becomes more dramatic during its dense development, ending with a section that has a quieter character. The recapitulation begins abruptly with the repetition of the heroic main theme, followed by the quiet second theme. In the final part the main theme is interpreted in a solemn way similar to that of the first movement, but with a more decisive coda.

Sources from this spanish website on Atterberg symphonism: http://www.historiadelasinfonia.es/naciones/la-sinfonia-en-suecia/atterberg/

Видео Symphony No.2 in F major - Kurt Atterberg канала Sergio Cánovas