Achim Breiling wrote:

>While the symphonies by Alan Pettersson are widely discussed his oratorium
>"Vox Humana" is sparcely mentioned.  There is a recording on BIS, coupled
>with a work for orchestra and baritone by Hilding Rosenberg and I was about
>to buy this several times, but as CPO is planning to release a recording of
>that, I did not go for it, so far.  Anybody knows the BIS release, is it
>worth to get or should one better wait for the CPO? How does Vox Humana
>compare to the rest of Petterssons output (I can not say that his choral
>sym.  no. 12 is among my favourite Pettersson syms!).

The cantata "Vox Humana" was composed in 1974, the same year as the
Symphony #12 "The Dead on the Plaza".  Both are settings of poems by Pablo
Neruda.  I've had the BIS LP for quite a few years, and I seriously doubt
that cpo will have anyone as good as Westerberg (the conductor on BIS) for
their recording.  Besides, Berkshire has the CD on sale for $8.99.

That said:  if you don't like the Sym.  12, you won't like the cantata.
I myself am underwhelmed by both (and the sax concerto/sym 16).  Poor
old Pettersson was having a tough time that year, I would surmise.

Now, WHEN is Segerstam going to resume HIS Pettersson cycle?!?!?!

Mark
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