I had the pleasure of hearing Lyric Fantasy (Lyrisk
Background
Even though Larsson was born to a nurse and a factory worker, he showed musical talent at a young age. He began studying composition, organ, and conducting at the Stockholm Conservatory when he was 17 years old. His talent enabled him to study composition further with Alban Berg a few years later, and these experiences helped shape Larsson’s musical style.
After his schooling, Larsson composed music for a variety of things. He wrote for theater and film as well as music in more traditional genres (like symphonies and chamber music). Larsson also worked for the Swedish radio, where he composed, conducted, and produced musical programs to air across the country.
For more information about Larsson, read here.
Musical Style
Larsson’s diverse musical style ranges from Romantic to neo-classical to experimental, and he was the first Swedish composer to incorporate serialism in his music. (Serialism is a compositional technique where set patterns of notes and rhythms are used to create a piece of music. For more, read here.) His early works pull from the nationalist/Romantic language of Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. However, he spent his life mastering his craft, incorporating new elements to Swedish classical music in the 20th century.
Lyric Fantasy (Op. 54)
Larsson composed Lyric Fantasy, Op. 54 in 1966 for his publisher’s 75th anniversary. Hearkening back to the Romantic era, this work draws on beautiful melodies and lush harmonies to paint an image for the listener.
Analysis
Lyric Fantasy opens with some colorful and sweeping chord clusters (listen for the tremolo in the strings) before the entrance of a folk-like theme (0:23). The harmonies slowly change over the course of this haunting melody, adding mystery and beauty. A flute solo at 1:23 provides contrast with the entrances of the oboe (1:33) and clarinet (1:39) solos.
Some things to listen for:
- The rocking motif that appears at 1:57; it makes its way through the work in various forms and rhythms
- A gorgeous orchestral swell that begins at 3:00
- A pizzicato accompaniment that supports the soloists at 4:05
- Some interesting counterpoint that pulls from some rather serialist harmonies based on folk tunes (4:49 and on)
- A return of the theme at 4:05 in the strings at 5:51
- Another return of the theme at 4:05, except this time it’s doubled an octave higher with the flute at 7:48
- Tremolo chord clusters to finish the piece (9:23)
Larsson’s Lyric Fantasy, Op. 54 is full of beautiful dissonance combined with flowing dynamics and folk rhythms. As the piece progresses, each idea and theme returns to add beauty and character.
