Allan Pettersson, Symphony No 8, complete

Baltimore Symphony Orchestra , Sergiu Comissiona, 1980. “The dark night of the soul“ is the name I personally give to the second movement of this symphony, scored in 1969. The first movement is rather pastoral, and it’s wide ranging harmonic regions and clear melodic structure give it a reconciliatory and forgiving atmosphere. However, things take a turn for the worse in the second movement (starting at 21’35“). This is the only one of all the Pettersson symphonies which is divided into two separate sections. The scenery is darkened by the arrival of threatening danger. This danger can be anything that has relevance in our own individual life experiences. For Pettersson, it was probably the onslaught of the pain of the rheumatoid arthritis to which he was already a victim. Amidst the sinister atmosphere, a struggle gradually ensues, leading into a stormy interlude. But there is no triumph. The music sinks into a long night of restless pain and suffering. One senses the relentle