Serenade for Strings : Work information

Composers
Dag (Ivar) Wirén ( Music, Images,)
Performed by
Scottish Baroque Ensemble, Leonard Friedman (Conductor)

This work

Work name
Serenade for Strings
Work number
Op. 11
Key
n/a
Genre
A
Composed
1937-01-01 02:00:00

This recording

Label
CRD
Producer
Simon Lawman
Engineer
Bob Auger
Recording date
n/a

The Composers

Dag (Ivar) Wirén

Track listing

  • Prelude: Allegro molto 3:01 min
  • Andante espressivo 3:18 min
  • Scherzo: Allegro vivace - Trio: Poco meno mosso 2:49 min
  • Marcia: Tempo di marcia molto ritmico 4:40 min

Notes

The Serenade for Strings (1937) is Swedish composer Dag Wiren's most famous work. Its short and witty movements are wonderfully tuneful, and the well-known finale often turns up in compilation albums.

The work opens with a busy Prelude that, despite its menacing moments, is genial in character. It's followed by a simple Andante espressivo, that at times becomes impassioned, and a syncopated Scherzo. The Marcia, with its attractive martial rhythms and memorable theme, wittily parodies military music. Its occasional dissonances add extra spice and the contrasting Viennese-style melody is charming. The work closes as the marching troops fade away into the distance.