Bert Bailey asks:

>Could anyone advise me about what to expect with this music, and perhaps
>this set of symphonies? Maybe some influences, kindred music, etc.?

I have this set, though I bought the CDs individually when they came out
2 or 3 years ago.  Rangstrom was sort of for Sweden what Nielsen was for
Denmark and Sibelius was for Finland (and maybe Grieg for Norway).  The
first big name, an individual voice at the turn of the century.  His 4
symphonies are in the same Skandinavian lat romantic style, colourfull,
sometimes nordic-harch-dramatic, sometimes with an idylic-impressionist
feel.  Maybe Rangstroem is a bit more romantic than Nielsen or Sibelius,
especially in the fourth symphony, which has a very dominant organ part.
Anyway this music is worth a try!

Achim Breiling