"I wasn't born under a piano, I didn't spend my childhood with my father, the composer…no, I learned how to work white-hot iron with the smith's hammer." - Allan Pettersson

Those interested in hearing Pettersson's music may want to start with one of his middle symphonies. I have provided some background information and selected recordings in the files linked below.

Symphonies (1951-1979)

• Symphony #1 (1951)
• Symphony #2 (1952-53)
• Symphony #3 (1954-55)
• Symphony #4 (1958-59)
• Symphony #5 (1060-62)
• Symphony #6 (1963-66)
• Symphony #7 (1966-67)
• Symphony #8 (1968-69)
• Symphony #9 (1970)
• Symphony #10 ( - )
• Symphony #11 (1973)
• Symphony #12 "The Dead on the Square" (1973-74)
• Symphony #13 (1976)
• Symphony #14 (1978)
• Symphony #15 (1978)
• Symphony #16 (1979)
• Symphony #17 (1980, unfinished)

Mark Shanks