Although Swedish composer Elfrida Andrée's Swedish Mass No. 1 (1902) is the main event, and a handsome 1898 portrait of Andrée used for the front cover, Intim Musik's Elfrida Andrée: Svensk Mäase Nr. 1 is a survey of sacred music written especially for the Gustavi Cathedral in Gothenburg, belonging to its series Musik I Domkyrkan (Cathedral Music). The Andrée work takes up nearly half of the disc's running time, and it is certainly a beautiful work, the antithesis of the Anglican romantic masses familiar from this era. This mass has certain chilliness reminiscent of Sibelius, yet it has a lofty idealism that lifts it out of the icy wastes of its environment -- it is like spring breaking out all over Sweden. Andrée's work is understated, devotional, and rather minimal in its use of instrumentation; although accompanied by strings and organ, these elements are only modestly applied, usually just to support the choruses. One would have to go to Janácek to find sacred choruses from this era that are as relaxed and unfussy as Andrée's.
As to the other material, all by Swedish composers, the disc opens with a showy, French-style Toccata by Herman Aspelöf. Contemporary Maria Löfberg also demonstrates the influence of the "countenance français" in the two choruses; however, the rhythm supporting her Hallelujah, Sjung till Herrens ära betrays the influence of rock music as well. Ljuvlig är din boning of Löfberg is a lovely piece that would be welcome in any cathedral anywhere. More traditionally minded are the two choruses by Gösta Lundberg, which are folk-like and share some commonality of approach with the music of Hugo Distler. The last composer featured is Bengt Nilsson, the organist in Gustavi Cathedral who likewise serves as organist for the whole collection. His music is the most obviously and outwardly dramatic on the disc, reflecting the "mystic" French school of
Messiaen and Tournemire.
The recording, made by the Swedish Broadcasting Corporation, is a little distant and you will want to turn it up somewhat to bring it a bit closer. Gustavi Cathedral is very lucky to have such a wonderful chorus at its disposal, and it sounds terrific in the Andrée. Intim Musik's Elfrida Andrée: Svensk Mäase Nr. 1 will be of interest not only to those devoted to female composers and Swedish music, but it can also provide enjoyment to listeners with a more general interest in sacred music, particularly those who turn to it as a way to chill out.