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We should no longer be amazed at the sheer number of unknown Swedish composers from the 19th century nor at Sterling's laudable
work in resuscitating their music but surprises like this still delight. Rubenson studied in Leipzig with Gade (among others) and
wrote his only symphony in 1847. Its first movement, not surprisingly, has a lot of Mendelssohn and Schumann in it but there
is a clear, northern feel to the second movement - a scherzo-like intermezzo with affinities to Gade and folk music and the
finale is a deliciously rumbustious concoction in the vein of Mendelssohn's "Scottish" music. Although he wrote no more
symphonies, Rubenson did write two three-movement symphonic works: the Intermezzo dates from 1860 and uses many more
folk motifs while still retaining a Schumannian Romanticism. The 3 pièces (1871) are, in effect, a suite of symphonic dances,
alternating folkish themes with salon style. All lovers of Gade, Schumann and Mendelssohn will be in Sterling's debt for this
fine release. (exerpts)
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Start /CD-lables /Sterling
