Allan Pettersson Swedish Radio Choir Eric Ericson Chamber Choir Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra Manfred Honeck - Symphony No 12 De Döda På Torget

Review by Arun Kumar

The album Symphony No 12 De Döda På Torget by Allan Pettersson, performed by the Swedish Radio Choir, Eric Ericson Chamber Choir, Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra, and conducted by Manfred Honeck, is a haunting and powerful work of art. Pettersson's 12th symphony is a reflection on the horrors of war, specifically the bombing of a marketplace in Barcelona during the Spanish Civil War. The music is at times chaotic and dissonant, with harsh brass and percussion, but also contains moments of beauty and tenderness, particularly in the choral sections. The two choirs blend seamlessly together, creating a haunting, ethereal sound. The orchestral playing is superb, with Honeck drawing out every nuance of the score. The album is not an easy listen, but it is a deeply moving one, and a testament to the power of music to express the darkest aspects of the human experience. Symphony No 12 De Döda På Torget is a masterpiece, and this recording is a worthy tribute to Pettersson's genius.