Schwedische Tanze (The Swedish Dances)

5RR Max Bruch. Berlin: N. Simrock, 1892. 

Notes

The Swedish Dances, Op. 63 by Max Bruch, are a set of 15 folk-inspired pieces composed in 1892. Originally written for violin and piano, the dances were later arranged for other formats, including orchestra, piano four-hands, and military band. Bruch drew inspiration for this collection from Swedish folk songs, particularly those compiled by Erik Gustaf Geijer and Arvid August Afzelius, two key figures in preserving Sweden’s musical heritage. Each dance captures a different character or mood, ranging from lyrical and soulful to rhythmically lively and energetic, reflecting Bruch’s romantic style and his deep interest in national folk traditions.

The Swedish Dances stand out for their melodic beauty, emotional expressiveness, and evocative rhythms. While they are not as widely performed today as Bruch’s famous Violin Concerto No. 1, they remain a charming and accessible example of 19th-century European romanticism and folkloric influence in classical music. A notable orchestral recording of the dances was made by the Gewandhausorchester Leipzig under Kurt Masur, praised for its vibrant interpretation and clear, warm sound. This collection highlights Bruch’s gift for melodic invention and his ability to transform folk material into richly expressive art music.

Description

Green leather binding with gilt boarders on upper and lower boards with gilt initials in the center of the upper board. Rubbing to the extremities and bumped corners. Hand written index on preliminary blank page. Fine condition overall.