Larsson, Lars-Erik (Vilner)

Larsson, Lars-Erik (Vilner), important Swedish composer and pedagogue; b. Âkarp, near Lund, May 15, 1908; d. Hälsingborg, Dec. 27, 1986. After passing the organist’s examination in Växjö (1924), he studied with Ernst Ellberg (composition) and Olalla Morales (conducting) at the Stockholm Cons. (1924–29). He then completed his training with Berg in Vienna (1929–30) and with Reuter in Leipzig (1930–31). Returning to Stockholm, he was a conductor, composer, and producer with the Swedish Radio (1937–43). Later he served as supervisor of its radio orch. (1945–47) and led its chamber orch. (until 1953). He was prof, of composition at the Stockholm Musikshögskolan (1947–59) and director of music at the Univ. of Uppsala (1961–65). His early compositions were in a classical spirit, but with time his idiom became increasingly complex; there are some instances of dodecaphonic procedures in his later compositions. The importance of his works lies in the freedom of application of various techniques without adhering to any current fashion.

Works

dramatic:Prinsessan av Cypern (The Princess of Cyprus), opera (1930-36; Stockholm, April 29, 1937); Arresten pâ Bonus (The Arrest at Bohus), opera buffa (1938–39); Linden, ballet (1958). orch.: 3 syms. (1927-28; 1936-37; 1945); 3 concert overtures (1929, 1934, 1945); Symphonic Sketch (1930); Sinfonietta for Strings (1932); Little Serenade for Strings (1934); Saxophone Concerto (1934); Divertimento for Chamber Orch. (1935); Little March (1936); Ostinato (Stockholm, Nov. 24, 1937); En vintersaga (A Winter Tale), suite (1937); Pastoral Suite (1938); The Earth Sings, symphonic poem (1940); The Land of Sweden, suite (1941); Gustavian Suite for Flute, Harpsichord, and Strings (1943); Cello Concerto (1947); Music for Orchestra (1948–49); Violin Concerto (1952); 12 concertinos, with Strings, for solo instruments: Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, and Piano (1953–57); Adagio for Strings (1960); 3 Pieces (1960); Orchestral Variations (1962); Lyric Fantasy for Small Orch. (1967); 2 auguri (1971); Barococo, suite (1973); Musica permutatio (1980; Swedish Radio, Feb. 27, 1982). chamber:Intimate Miniatures for String Quartet (1938); 3 string quartets (1944, 1955, 1975); 4 tempi, divertimento for Wind Quintet (1968); Cello Sonatina (1969); Aubade for Oboe, Violin, and Cello (1972). piano: 3 sonatinas (1936, 1947, 1950); Croquiser (1947); 7 Little Preludes and Fugues (1969). vocal:Förklädd gud (The Disguised God), lyric suite for Narrator, Soprano, Baritone, Chorus, and Orch. (1940); Väktarsanger (Watchman’s Songs) for Narrator, Baritone, Men’s Chorus, and Orch. (1940); Missa brevis for Chorus (1954); Intrada Solemnis for 2 Choruses, Boy’s Chorus, Winds, and Organ (1964); Soluret och urnan (The Sundial and the Urn), cantata (1965–66).

—Nicolas Slonimsky/Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire