Göteborgs Konserthus Winter Organ with Johannes Landgren

The Fantasia and Fugue in G minor is a work of contrasts, in which the fantasia represents a compositional style often termed *stylus fantasticus*—a free, improvisational style characterized by rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic freedom. The fugue stands in direct opposition to this, belonging to a different compositional style known as *stylus canonicus*—a style defined by its contrapuntal texture and a significantly more rigid rhythmic structure. The key of G minor is associated with an affect known in the Baroque era as "tempered joy."

"Winter Organ" is the title of a seminal poem by Erik Axel Karlfeldt. The poem portrays the changing seasons of nature in the form of an organ, resonating with the concept of the "World Organ," in which natural cycles and cosmic proportions are reflected in the structure and sound world of music. In this context, the concept serves as a starting point for an improvisational exploration of sonic possibilities and transparent, resonant structures.

It is arguably Bach’s most famous work, represented by a multitude of arrangements and versions throughout music history. Yet, there is considerable evidence suggesting that it may not have been composed by J.S. Bach and was not originally written for the organ. Through its form and structure, the work embodies the Baroque approach to music as "speech in tones," in which the art of oratory, rhetoric, and mathematical proportions combine to form an almost immortal whole.

In her extensive body of work—spanning both large ensembles and smaller-scale settings—Karin Rehnqvist has captured essential life challenges and values. Dramatic portrayals of the climate crisis, violence, and oppression are explored and contrasted with hopeful, insightful musical words of comfort, always underpinned by a humanistic and ethical pathos. Here she brings a premiere of a new work.

Petr Eben (1929-2007) From Landscapes of Patmos Petr Eben was one of the Czech Republic’s foremost modern composers. He grew up in southern Bohemia and was sent to the Buchenwald concentration camp during the war. After the war, he began his studies in Prague, where he later went on to teach. Landscapes of Patmos actually consists of five movements and premiered in 1985 at the Bach Festival in Heidelberg. The piece originated in improvisational musical commentary accompanying readings organized in Prague by the art corporation Lyra Pragensis in the late 1960s. These concerts—featuring readings from the Bible and other books considered controversial by the regime—eventually became so popular that they were banned. Landscapes of Patmos presents scenes from the Book of Revelation—scenes in which the animal world and its strong connection to the symbolism and drama of Revelation frame the apocalypse. In the final movement, the Book of Revelation’s themes of judgment and the end of times (musically symbolized by the use of the "Dies Irae"—Day of Wrath) are juxtaposed with the hopeful message of Christ’s victory over death ("Victimae Paschali laudes"). Presented here are movements 4 and 5: Landscape with Rainbow (Rev.4: " A rainbow that shone like an emerald encircled the throne ") and Landscape with Horses (Rev.9: " The horses resembled the heads of lions, and out of their mouths came fire, smoke and sulfur.").

Organist Johannes Landgren was born in Arjeplog and received his musical education at the Academy of Music and Drama in Gothenburg. He has toured worldwide—from California in the west to Siberia in the east—and appears on over 35 recordings spanning a wide range of genres. His concert work includes collaborations with Håkan Lewin, Anders Hagberg, Daniel Berg, Helena Ek, Amanda Sedgwick, and Per-Anders Nilsson. Landgren has also served as a professor at the University of Gothenburg, as well as professor and acting rector at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm.

Soprano Helena Ek possesses a repertoire spanning early music, folk music, and contemporary works. She has collaborated with lutenists Jakob Lindberg and Stephen Stubbs on concerts across Europe and toured Belgium and France with the ensemble Ricercar Consort. In addition to working with Swedish baroque ensembles such as Drottningholm Baroque Ensemble, Karlsson Barock, and Rebaroque, she has performed with Arte dei Suonatori (Poland), the Holland Baroque Society, and the Norwegian Baroque Orchestra. Helena Ek has appeared in several baroque operas and made her debut at the Drottningholm Court Theatre in 1997.

Daniel Berg is a marimba player and chamber musician who combines an extensive concert career with teaching. He is a professor of musical performance. His collaborators include Fredrik Duvling (in the Rhythm Art Duo), violinist Tobias Granmo (in Duo Granmo-Berg), and the late actor Henric Holmberg. His passion for new chamber music for percussion has resulted in over 250 performances. He frequently appears as a soloist at international percussion festivals and has recorded numerous albums featuring the marimba. He has also composed music for both choir and percussion.

Håkan Lewin is an alto saxophonist whose musical expression is firmly rooted in the language of jazz. His list of credits includes performances with world-class artists such as Tina Turner, Georgie Fame, Thad Jones and Clark Terry. In 2007, Håkan was awarded the Christer Boustedt Scholarship, and in 1987, he represented Sweden in the European Broadcasting Union Orchestra. In 2005, he co-founded the organization MAV (Music Against Violence).