Stenhammar began work on what many consider to be his finest orchestral work in 1907-08. He completed the first version following his return from vacationing in Italy (1912-13). Dedicated to his wife Helga Marcia, the Serenade was given its premiere under the composer's baton in Stockholm in January 1914. Revisions were made in 1919 and the final version was premiered in Gothenburg in 1920. While unmistakably Scandinavian, Stenhammar's music often takes a more lyrical and classical approach than his fellow Scaninavians Sibelius and Nielsen. The Serenade is widely considered to be the finest example of the Swedish composer's style. The 34-minute work is scored for a Brahms-size orchestra. This is a new, digitally enhanced reissue of the score originally published in 1936 by Edition Suecia.



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Swedish Musical Heritage