Composer

:

Allan Pettersson

Genre

:

Symphony

Style

:

Symphony

Compose Date

:

1972

First Performance

:

Dec 16, 1973

Average_duration

:

26:29

Allan Pettersson's Symphony No.10 is a monumental work that was composed between 1966 and 1968. The symphony was premiered on October 25, 1968, by the Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Antal Doráti. The work is divided into four movements and has a total duration of approximately 70 minutes. The first movement, marked "Allegro," begins with a powerful and dissonant chord that sets the tone for the entire symphony. The music is characterized by its intense and relentless energy, with driving rhythms and angular melodies that create a sense of urgency and tension. The movement features a number of contrasting sections, including a lyrical and introspective passage for solo cello, before building to a climactic conclusion. The second movement, marked "Adagio," is a stark contrast to the first. It is a slow and mournful lament, with long, sustained lines and a sense of profound sadness. The music is characterized by its use of dissonant harmonies and chromaticism, which create a sense of unease and tension. The movement features a hauntingly beautiful solo for English horn, which is later taken up by the strings. The third movement, marked "Allegro," is a scherzo-like section that is characterized by its frenetic energy and driving rhythms. The music is full of sudden shifts in tempo and mood, with moments of intense aggression and moments of delicate lyricism. The movement features a number of solos for various instruments, including a virtuosic passage for solo violin. The final movement, marked "Adagio," is a powerful and emotional conclusion to the symphony. The music is characterized by its use of dense harmonies and dissonant chords, which create a sense of tension and unease. The movement features a number of contrasting sections, including a lyrical and introspective passage for solo trumpet, before building to a climactic conclusion. Overall, Pettersson's Symphony No.10 is a deeply emotional and powerful work that showcases the composer's unique voice and style. The music is characterized by its use of dissonant harmonies, driving rhythms, and intense emotional expression, and it stands as a testament to Pettersson's status as one of the most important Swedish composers of the 20th century.

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