HELMER ALEXANDERSSON (1886-1927): Symphony No. 2 in G Minor, Overture in C Minor.

Description: A fascinating biography of a gifted young composer, who twice won yearly scholarships from the Swedish government yet who ended up dying of an unknown cause utterly indigent, is the first striking thing about Sterling's new discovery. The music, recorded live at a January concert in 2006, is utterly winning. But you may have as much trouble putting your finger on what Alexandersson's music sounds like as several famous Swedish critics: Kurt Atterberg describes "its effortless torrent of melody, reminiscent of Svendsen and Bruckner...", William Seymer found elements of Berwald and Söderman, while the ever irascible Peterson-Berger thought he could hear "eclectic elements from the Beethovenian style" while ultimately finding the symphony "virtuous and boring". One thing you won't find this colorful, tuneful and well-orchestrated music to be, is boring. The symphony dates from 1914 and (its pizzicato third movement) 1919. The 1910 overture is elfin and playful with a Mendelssohnian lightness and a four-note motif which will nag you for hours after a first hearing. Uppsala Chamber Orchestra; Paul Mägi.