Mikael Rasmusson <[log in to unmask]> wrote: >This is the very first biography on the Swedish composer TURE RANGSTROEM >(1884-1947). His songs and his symphonies have been recorded rather >frequently for the last 20 years, so it is surprising that we had to wait >that long for a biography. The Gods shall know I have waited for it! Thanks for reporting it Mister Rasmusson! I first got to hear Helmer, who by the way is the right man to write on Rangstroem, planned a study on Rangstroem, however this might have grown out to the biography. >His opera "Kronbruden" ("the Crowned Bride") is a direct adaption (word >by word) of the first four acts of Strindberg's play. A TV-version (of >the opera) was produced in 1990, and the opera was also staged in Malmoe, >Sweden less than a year ago. This wonderful opera should be the Swedish National Opera! (Of course there is also Arnjot). >First, some negative criticism: Rangstroem's character is analysed in >some detail, but at times I think the author is judging R:s actions from >a moral point of view. It seems like R. was aware of his weaknesses, but >he couldn't resist his inner driving force. Ture Rangstroem always had to hear that he lacked contrapunctual technique, but listen to the Stringquartett in G minor: The prestissimofugato in the finale is alone enough to prove he really could write contrapunct! >He seems to have been a very passionate man, and he wasn't the man >who could forgive and forget. In that sense he was even worse than >Peterson-Berger. True, and THIS is something one can hear in his music! >The book does not try to put Rangstroem's music in context, and that's >fine, because his music is highly original. But in the middle of the book, >the author suddenly feels urged to state that Stenhammar is a superior >composer to Rangstroem. To me Stenhammar could be said to be superiour as he shows more examples on correct technioque, but in matters of talent I consider Rangstroem superior, but I know many don't agree with me. >but unfortunately no discography. I don't know for sure what have found its way onto CD, but for grammophone, I can provide the following discography: Symphony Nr.1 DEC LXT 2665 Divertimento Elegaico SWS LT 33149 Sub umbra: The Night HMV SCLP 1032 Fiddlars Spring HMV SCLP 1053 Maelarlegender RCA LSC 3119 Stringquartett G minor SWS SLT 33225 Songs HMV FALP 568 King Eriks Songs SWS LT 33149 You and me - melody OD MOAK 1002 Songs HMV EBS 18 Songs DEC SXL 6185 Tristans Death RCA HR 224 & SWS SLT 33218 The Wind and the Tree HMV SCLP 1057 Songs SWS SLT 33171 King Eriks Songs FABO SLP 33106 Songs EMIdisc 4E 048-50465 Her Words RIKS EP 8 & HMV 4E 061-37488 King Eriks Songs HMV 4E 155-35211 Songs HMV 061-31149 Songs SWS SLT 33234 On CD there are some I especially want to recommend: Complete Symphonies: Norrkoeping SO/Jurowskij on CPO Songs: Svenden/Hagegaard on Musica Sveciae Really great stuff! >I really hope that this book will be translated in the future. I hope so too! James Zehm <[log in to unmask]>