Lars-Erik Larsson: Pastoral Suite
Context
In 1937, Swedish composer Lars-Erik Larsson began working as a composer-conductor for the Swedish national radio service. It was here that he pioneered a new genre of music for radio entertainment called ‘Lyrical Suite’. Here art forms collided and with the music playing, poetry would be read at the same time. It was from excerpts of this form that Larsson pieced together his 1938 Pastoral Suite (Pastoralsvit) for chamber orchestra.
The Music
Set into three movements, Larsson shows off both his originality, but also his influences from Nordic contemporaries.
Movement I – Overture
The opening movement starts with a slow and atmospheric theme played chiefly in the upper strings. Here we hear the influence of Jean Sibelius, with the rich and sonorous string theme shining brightly. As the slow introduction comes to a close, a feisty Allegro section bursts into action. Set primarily in C major, the music is fast-paced and we finally hear some beautiful melodic woodwind voices. The robust rhythms are bold and exciting, which makes way for some of Larsson’s experimental harmony.
Movement II – Romance
Scored for strings only, the passionate second movement is opened by the upper strings. Quite traditional in sound to begin with, Larsson uses his great skill in orchestration to create interest between the voices. The central section builds up the theme over time and sees an impassioned climax burst into fruition at the end. The sweet shifts between the Eb major and E major are also a focal point of the movement, with Larsson trying to trick the listener’s ear.
Movement III – Scherzo
Back in the opening key of C major, the pulsating scherzo is opened with a sweet solo from the flute. The energy is infectious throughout the scherzo, making the shift into the trio section so effective. The pastoral-style that Larsson approaches the trio puts emphasis on the woodwind. The brass make their very short appearance in the suite in the scherzo, with bold muted interjections piercing through the warm timbre of the orchestra. The suite ends with the ensemble uniting for the final four brilliant chords.
Ⓒ Alex Burns
Happy Reading!
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