Interlude

Wilhelm Stenhammar (1871-1927) was a Swedish pianist, conductor and composer. His compositions include incidental music, operas, concerts, two symphonies and choral works. Initially influenced above all by Wagner and Bruckner, Stenhammar increasingly welcomed in his music a Nordic colour as well as melodic and rhythmic characters typical of Swedish folklore. Completed in 1921, the cantata Sången (The Song) was Stenhammar's last major work, and its combination of harmonic richness and contrapuntal dexterity ensured it a warm reception.

The Interlude connecting the two halves of the work is the only part frequently performed today. It begins by creating a serious and intimate atmosphere, then the music gradually unfolds in increasingly powerful sonorities. Towards the middle a noble brass chorale emerges, but neither this nor the following finely crafted climax manage to change the prevailing mood of subtle melancholy typical of late Romantic Scandinavian composers.

This arrangement by Franco Cesarini will allow your audience to get to know this great composer unknown to most.