A comprehensive collection of the symphonies and chamber music of Swedish composer Ture Rangström has been re-released by CPO, bringing together recordings originally made in the 1990s. This reissue marks a significant moment for those interested in discovering or revisiting the perform of a composer who navigated a complex musical landscape, influenced by German Romanticism yet distinctively Scandinavian.
Rangström, like many Nordic composers of his era, absorbed the influence of his German contemporaries. However, his music wasn’t defined by Scandinavian folk traditions. Instead, he forged a deeply romantic style, occasionally incorporating controlled modernity, which both challenged Swedish conservatives and failed to fully satisfy more radical modernists. His compositions were often inspired by the works of Swedish literary figures like Bo Bergman, Johan Ludvig Runeberg, Gustav Fröding, and August Strindberg, resulting in a rich melodic expression that was both lyrical and dramatic. Fellow composer Jean Sibelius reportedly held Rangström’s work in high regard.
A Multifaceted Artist
Beyond his work as a composer, Rangström was a versatile figure in the Swedish music scene. He served as a music critic, a vocal instructor, and a conductor. He was also a founding member of the Swedish Composers’ Society, a press attaché at the Royal Swedish Opera, and, in 1919, was elected to the Royal Swedish Academy of Music. Rangström himself described his work as that of “a poet of sounds,” highlighting the literary and expressive core of his musical vision.
The new CPO box set features performances by the Norrköping Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Michail Jurowski, widely praised for his interpretations of Romantic and early 20th-century repertoire. These recordings, originally released over several years, capture the essence of Rangström’s four symphonies, which are firmly rooted in a romantic-expressionist tradition.
Exploring the Symphonies
Rangström’s Symphony No. 1, subtitled “In Memoriam August Strindberg,” is a particularly notable work. The musicians and Jurowski skillfully highlight the symphony’s contrasting elements – sensual, ethereal, and at times, dark – revealing a complex emotional landscape. Completed in 1912, the symphony incorporates archaic elements that seem independent of popular musical traditions.
The Symphony No. 2, known as “Mitt land” (My Country), reflects Rangström’s deep connection to the Swedish landscape. Composed in 1919 and dedicated to fellow composer Wilhelm Stenhammar, the symphony is characterized by a delicate and lyrical language, free from descriptive programmatic elements.
Critics have identified the Symphony No. 3, composed in 1929, as the pinnacle of the cycle. Rangström described it as “Chant under the Stars,” and the single-movement work, titled Maestoso, was inspired by a challenging sea voyage. The orchestra delivers a lyrical and vibrant performance, full of nuance and ecstatic energy, drawing inspiration from Rangström’s earlier song “Prayer for the Night,” set to a text by Bo Bergman.
In contrast, the Symphony No. 4, “Invocation,” dating from 1936, represents a shift in style, characterized by restraint, reduced sensuality, and Baroque influences.
Beyond the Symphonies
The collection extends beyond the symphonies, showcasing Rangström’s diverse compositional interests. Included are pieces that lean towards neoclassicism, establishing him as one of Sweden’s early expressionist composers. These include Notturno in the manner of E.T.A. Hoffmann for two violins, viola, and cello (1909). Dithyramb, an allegro deciso e con passione for orchestra; and Vårhymn, an adagio espressivo. Also featured are two Suites for violin and piano, a Capriccio amoroso for violin and orchestra (1936), and an Intermezzo drammatico (1916-1918), all demonstrating his inventive and personal musical voice.
This reissue offers a valuable opportunity to (re)discover a major Swedish composer of the 20th century, offering a glimpse into a unique musical voice that deserves wider recognition. Listeners interested in exploring the intersection of Romanticism, expressionism, and Scandinavian musical identity will find much to appreciate in Rangström’s work.
Further exploration of Rangström’s music can be found in a related article on ResMusica, focusing on his Symphony No. 3: “Chant sous les étoiles, poétique et fortifiante Symphonie n° 3 de Ture Rangström”.
The complete symphonies of Ture Rangström are available for download through Presto Music: Ture Rangström: Complete Symphonies – CPO. Information about the release can also be found on Discogs: Ture Rangström – Norrköping Symphony Orchestra, Michail Jurowski – Complete Symphonies.
The Norrköping Symphony Orchestra continues its season with upcoming performances scheduled throughout the spring. Details can be found on their official website.
