Classical Music Playlist, October 24, 2024
Wilhelm Peterson-Berger in 1905
After a busy musical life as an honored composer and harsh music critic, Swedish composer Wilhelm Peterson-Berger retired to an island where he had earlier bought some land and built a home. It was here that he composed his Symphony No. 5, titled "Solitudo," which at times conveys the peace of his isolated location and past feelings of isolation from Swedish musical life earned by his notoriously caustic music reviews. Premiered in 1934, his final symphony sometimes received attacks equal to those he earlier dished out. But away from his local enemies, the symphony won praise internationally. The Symphony No. 5 "Solitudo" by Wilhelm Peterson-Berger is today's Midday Masterpiece.