LINDBERG, M.: Graffiti - Seht Die Sonne

This record seems to mark a turn in Magnus Lindberg's career as a composer. Along with the recent Clarinet Concerto, the music here is, for lack of a better term, more accessible than earlier works like the masterpiece "Kraft." "Graffiti" is also a new venture in that the composer is writing for the chorus. In this context, accessible is not an insult to contemporary music. Lindberg is as rugged and forceful as ever. The changes are in the sound, which is a little brighter, more spacious and colorful and immediately attractive to the ear. The vocal writing is very fine, very singable, and that also makes for a more immediate effect on the listener. The text comes from graffiti on the walls of Pompeii, and the music expresses what the words explicitly convey; it's vulgar, humorous, aggressive in turns, and foreshadows the pending doom by slowly falling and disappearing into fate at the end. This is exciting, intriguing, energetic music. "Seht Die Sonne" is an excellent three movement symphony, very fluid in how it moves along but with clearly identifiable sections, structures and really attractive musical material. The orchestral playing is excellent, the sound is full and rich. Stylistically, it's a great combination of modern touches and a Romantic sensibility, along the lines of the later symphonies of George Rochberg and Penderecki. A great release for fans of Lindberg, and an ideal way for new listeners to start with him.