Orchestral Transitions: Swedish Symphonic Music for the Organ

As the instruments throughout the 19th century grew in both size and complexity, so did the tonal possibilities, and many composers took advantage of these with new, creative ways of composing for the organ. So when the country’s orchestras gradually moved from the churches to the newly built concert halls, it became the organ’s task to fill the symphonic-sounding hole they left behind – because there was still plenty of music written, where the natural role of the instrument to deal with historical and religious symbolism was considered indispensable.

This album has been recorded on an instrument that illustrates the tonal ideals and possibilities of the time particularly well; the large organ in Västerås Cathedral, built by the firm Åkerman & Lund in 1898, is an incredibly well-preserved and well-restored example of the magnificent organ-building tradition that Sweden enjoyed at the turn of the last century. This fantastic instrument, together with Västerås Cathedral’s outstanding acoustic space, results in an extraordinary listening experience!

The album is available in both digital format and on CD with a full, informative booklet.

Recorded at Västerås Cathedral September 5–8, 2022.
Recorded, edited and mastered by Erik Sikkema
Research & liner notes: Jonas Lundblad
Photo: Ola Högberg
Graphic design: Sofia Berry
Translations & executive producer: Erik Hamrefors