Franz Berwald....Wow!

[Daverz]

In the 15th year of this thread, I think we can say that, yes, Berwald is THAT good.

[DaveF]

Although the general opinion seems to be that even Schubert couldn't do opera, although the overtures are similarly delightful.

Just found this, which may be worth investigating: https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/products/8021848--berwald-estrella-di-soria


(There's no indication that this isn't the complete opera, although at 70 minutes it seems very short.)

[MusicTurner]

Interesting, didn't know about that CD.

[classicalgeek]

The overture to Drottningen av Golconda is so good that I would love to hear the whole opera, but as you say, no way of doing so.  (Of course, the rest of it could be not so good - there's usually some valid reason why a composer's operas don't gain a place in the repertoire.)

I see a couple of the opera overtures have had recordings too - either I haven't heard them, or I have, but they didn't 'stick with me'. I'll need to give them a listen!

Although the general opinion seems to be that even Schubert couldn't do opera, although the overtures are similarly delightful.

Just found this, which may be worth investigating: https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/products/8021848--berwald-estrella-di-soria


(There's no indication that this isn't the complete opera, although at 70 minutes it seems very short.)

I don't think that's the entire opera - there's a complete vocal score on IMSLP (https://imslp.org/wiki/Special:ImagefromIndex/237883/hfjn), and if you attempt to match the track listings from the CD with the scenes from the opera, you'll see some are excluded. So I guess it's a 'highlights' collection rather than the complete opera. Still, given the rarity of Berwald's operas in recordings, this is a valuable contribution!

[DaveF]

I see a couple of the opera overtures have had recordings too - either I haven't heard them, or I have, but they didn't 'stick with me'. I'll need to give them a listen!

I don't think that's the entire opera - there's a complete vocal score on IMSLP...

The Drottningen av Golconda overture is lovely - some rather William Tell-ish divisi celli at the start and a second subject starting with a leap of a 9th which once heard (by me, anyway) has never been forgotten.  And good detective work matching score of Estrella to recording - I did wonder how Act 3, from the synopsis given on Wikipedia involving storms at sea, escapes, curses, rescues and suicides, could all fit into 18 minutes.

And the same Wikipedia article mentions a CD of extended excerpts - that'll be it, then.

[VonStupp]

I surveyed Järvi's cycle of Berwald symphonies this week, and agree with the many superlatives here. The 3rd 'Singulière' was most definitely the standout, although each were very charming.

VS

[Brian]

Herbert Blomstedt has recorded a new cycle of Berwald symphonies - at age 95! - with the Danish National Symphony Orchestra. The recordings are derived from live performances. Although I haven't found record label information yet, the orchestra suggests it may be Dacapo?

[kyjo]

Herbert Blomstedt has recorded a new cycle of Berwald symphonies - at age 95! - with the Danish National Symphony Orchestra. The recordings are derived from live performances. Although I haven't found record label information yet, the orchestra suggests it may be Dacapo?

Nice! Let's hope that the nonagenarian conductor can bring the requisite youthful spark and energy that Berwald's music requires. Since Blomstedt now seems to be taking a belated interest in the music of his home country, would it be too much to hope for an Atterberg cycle by the time he turns 100?

[lunar22]

Sixten Ehrling is still my choice for these excellent symphonies which should be performed as often as the Schumann cycle. Very interesting that Blomstedt has done them and I must look out for that. As a half-Swede, I also take a keen interest in the music of that country, though I find Atterberg a bit patchy (my favourite is probably his glorious 2nd).

[Symphonic Addict]

Berwald has been another composer as of late whose characteristic style has been revelatory to me beyond his symphonies. I'm specifically talking about his chamber music. At least two important features I've confirmed on listening to his two piano quintets and septet (the same combination of the Beethoven) so far: spontaneity and freshness. You can barely hear strict sonata form or other academic devices in these pieces. Berwald has other way to tell his stories, one where you don't need to be so rigurous and/or serious to demonstrate you are a good/great composer, but rather light-footed and witty (or carefree) and at the same time having a clear direction/cohesiveness in your processes, just like an ideal sense of proportion. In some respects, what I perceive is that Berwald had a free spirit, a creativity that didn't always suit the normal standards of his time and I like that. It's a shame he wasn't regarded in his lifetime as the stunning composer he was.