Dag Wirén - Symphony No.3 and Other Orchestral Works

Dag WIREN (1905-1986) 

Symphony No.3, Op.20 (1943-44)

Serenade, Op.11 (1937)

Divertimento, Op.29 (1953-57)

Sinfonietta, Op.7a (1933-34, revised 1939)

Iceland Symphony Orchestra

Rumon Gamba

Bright and lively music from the Swedish composer Dag Wiren is unveiled here in surround-sound by the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and Rumon Gamba, only a few years after the completion of their Grammy-nominated and highly acclaimed series devoted to the neglected orchestral treasures of Vincent dIndy. In this unique recording Gamba uses the large body of a full symphonic string section, rather than the somewhat smaller-scale chamber orchestra setup that has tended to be used for this music in the past. The effect is a more complete expression of the wit and strength of these works. Designed to entertain and amuse, as the composer put it in a note, the widely popular Serenade for Strings is here given an even more brilliant and powerful touch. Other, lesser-known works on the album similarly showcase a composer of fascinating range, who could write light and humorous pieces such as the Sinfonietta and the lively Symphony No. 3, as well as powerful rhythmical, and serious works, of which the later Divertimento is an example.

Review

''Rumon Gamba has the Iceland Symphony playing all of this music with confidence and enthusiasm'' --Classicstoday.com

An eminently recommendable disc. --Gramophone, March'18

Dag Wiren tends to be remembered for a tiny handful of pieces today and it is therefore too easy to overlook his larger output. This cd brings together the third symphony, Serenade Op. 11, Divertimento Op. 29. and the Sinfonietta Op. 7A. The Serenade is the earliest work, dating from 1937 with the Divertimento completed in 1957. If the Serenade is deliberately light in both texture and atmosphere then the other works take on a more serious tone, though they are always mellifluously easy on the ear. --Lark Reviews, March'18

Kindly ripped and sent by Joaquin! Thanks a lot!