Allan Pettersson - Symphony No.5; Viola Concerto

Allan PETTERSSON

Symphony No. 5 / Viola Concerto 

Nobuko Imai, 

Malmo Symphony Orchestra

Moshe Atzmon, Lev  Markiz

from Amazon.com

Although I'm less aquainted with the Francis recording of No. 5, and have yet to hear Kahler, I can say that this interpretation won me over after one listening. If you have some familiarity with and appreciation of Petterson's sound world, then I think you'll have the same experience too. I can now add this work to my current list of favorite Pettersson Symphonies, including 6, 10, 11, 13, 14, and 15.

The viola concerto is a work in the ripe and "soulful" manner of late Pettersson, although more accessible than works like Symphonies 13 and 15 since its textures and harmonies are comparatively a little lighter. This recording has the sound of conviction and commitment from both soloist and conductor, and is a desirable acquisition for fans of Pettersson's late style.