Orchestral Scores
Andrée in 1863
Source: Nordiska museet
Ouverture in G Minor (1864)
Instrumentation: Full orchestra (2.2.2.2-2.2.3.0-timp-str)
Length: c. 7 minutes
Publisher: Currently self-published
The Ouverture in G Minor was among Andrée’s earliest mature orchestral works. It foreshadows many traits characteristic of many of her later sonata-structured works. These include dramatic contrasts, hymn-like melodies, and colorful orchestration. This overture is a rousing concert opener in the tradition of Mendelssohn and Schumann. It requires little rehearsal time for a professional ensemble, and is only moderately difficult for a student orchestra.
This is the only available modern edition. Jonathan Spatola-Knoll has reconstructed material missing from the manuscript for this edition.
Symphony No. 1 (1869)
Instrumentation: Full orchestra (2.2.2.2-2.2.3.0-timp-str)
Length: c. 30 Minutes
Publisher: A-R Editions (Under Contract)
Andrée’s Symphony No. 1 was a tremendous achievement for the young composer. Not only was this the earliest known symphony by a Swedish woman, but its negative reception after a disastrous premiere galvanized her commitment to writing large-scale instrumental works in the prestigious tradition of her idols Mendelssohn, Beethoven, and Schumann.
This four-movement symphony is sure to please audiences who enjoy the music of these earlier composers, but still demonstrates Andrée’s individual voice. Her colorful, atmospheric, organ-like orchestration is on full display, and the symphony is full of memorable, tuneful melodies.
Portrait of Andrée (Date Unknown)
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Andante quasi recitativo (1877)
Instrumentation: String orchestra (with split cellos)
Length: c. 5 minutes
Publisher: Women’s Philharmonic Advocacy
Andrée completed at least four distinct arrangement of her Andante quasi recitativo: one for piano, one for organ, one for organ and cello, and the original version for string orchestra, presented here. This is the first published edition to acknowledge all manuscript versions of the score.
This lyrical miniature is an important addition to the Romantic string-orchestra repertoire. It demonstrates Andrée’s handling of long arching melodies, unsettled Wagnerian harmony, and anguished self-expression at its most mature. Although the composer passes melodic material throughout the orchestra, it features a substantial concertmaster solo.
Andrée c. 1906
Source: Wikimedia Commons
String Quartet (Quintet) in D Minor (1887), Arr. for String Orchestra by The Composer (1909)
Instrumentation: String quartet, String quintet, or String orchestra
Length: c. 20 minutes
Publisher: Hildegard Publishing
In 1909 Andrée added an optional bass part to her String Quartet in D Minor. Various manuscripts of this arrangement include the title Serenade for String Orchestra, or Summer Remembrances for String Orchestra. The orchestral version is recommended for smaller ensembles, which draw attention to the work’s detailed textures. It may also be performed as a string quintet.
This is the first published edition to acknowledge all manuscript versions of the score and parts. This edition allows for performances of all arrangements of the work. For more information, refer to Published Editions (Other).
Intermezzo for Orchestra (1893)
Instrumentation: Full orchestra (2.2.2.2-2.2.0.0-timp-str)
Length: c. 7 minutes
Publisher: A-R Editions (Under Contract)
Andrée’s Intermezzo for Orchestra is the composer’s arrangement of a movement from her Symphony No. 1 (1869). The composer seems to have expected standalone performances of this revised movement. She produced a title page and a set of parts, but no there were known performances of the revised Intermezzo before March 2024.
The 1893 orchestration is considerably clearer and more colorful than in the version originally included within the symphony. Composed in sonata form, this wistful and energetic work demonstrates Andrée’s mastery of the fugue and attractive, arching melodies. This is the only modern edition available.