Langgaard - Symphonies 8, 14 and 15

Rued Langgaard (1893-1952)

Symphonies nos.8, 14 and  15

(The complete symphonies, vol. 6)

Artur Rubinstein Philharmonic Orchestra

Ilya Stupel, conductor

Rued Langgaard was described as "a white duckling who became an ugly swan". His first symphony (composed when he was only 14 years old) caused a sensation when it was performed by Max Fiedler in Berlin and the next three symphonies quickly established Langgaard as one of the most brilliant composers in Denmark. Strongly influenced by his anachronistic parents and a strong believer in the musical tradition of the past, Langgaard lost the connection to the musical life before he was even 30. The symphonies following number four became rhapsodic and romantic in a way where they found little less than laughter among the audience. Forgotten and without any influence in Danish music, he died in 1952 shortly after finishing his 16th symphony.