Mortensen, Finn / Symphony, Op. 5
Album: Symphony, Op. 5   Collection:Classical
Artist:Mortensen, Finn   Added:Oct 2018
Label:Sso Recordings (Stavenger Symphony Orchestra  

A-File Activity
Add Date: 2018-10-14 Pull Date: 2018-12-16 Charts: Classical/Experimental
Week Ending: Dec 2 Nov 25 Nov 11 Oct 28
Airplays: 1 1 1 1

Recent Airplay
1. Nov 26, 2018: Mixed Up Class
Symphony, op. 5
3. Nov 08, 2018: Butter and Jams
Allegro Moderato (10:40)
2. Nov 24, 2018: Music Casserole
Adagio (10:30)
4. Oct 24, 2018: Clean Copper Radio
Allegro Moderato (9:06), Allegro Vivace (7:04), Adagio (10:30), Allegro Moderato (10:40)

Album Review
Larry Koran
Reviewed 2018-10-12
A work of undeniably quality, Finn Mortensen’s only symphony (1952-53) looks, Janus-like, forwards and backwards. The low opus number and post-Romantic idiom confirm its early provenance yet, despite its composer’s initial misgivings, it is now the benchmark for all Norwegian symphonies. The symphony is in a free-tonal, neo-classical style.

The Munich Radio Orchestra’s performance allows the symphony’s expansiveness full rein while underlining the holistic nature of its thematic relationships: thus the opposing themes of the opening Allegro Moderato are reconciled (somewhat) in the succeeding Adagio, while the brilliant Allegro Vivace scherzo synthesizes elements, before the final fugue recalls the Allegro Moderato’s second theme in a glorious apotheosis. The 1st mvmt is full of drama, with horns and drums speaking loudly, perhaps about clashing armies. The 2nd mvmt looks out sadly on a deserted battlefield under dark skies. The 3rd mvmt sees the return of civilian life, rebuilding a bit frenetically. The 4th mvmt starts with a race thru countryside underway, followed by vigorous group dancing (expressed fugally) at the race’s end, with brilliant sunshine pervading the last few minutes of music.

Track Listing
1. Allegro Moderato (10:40)   3. Allegro Vivace (7:04)
2. Adagio (10:30)   4. Allegro Moderato (9:06)