Welin Karl-Erik

Welin, Karl-Erik (Vilhelm), Swedish organist, pianist, and composer; b. Genarp, May 31, 1934; d. Mallorca, May 30, 1992. He studied organ with Alf Linden at the Stockholm Musikhögskolan (graduated, 1961). He also received training in composition from Bucht (1958-60) and Lidholm (1960-64), in piano from Sven Brandel, and at the summer courses in new music in Darmstadt with David Tudor (1960-62). As a performer, he was a proponent of the extreme avant-garde in Sweden. He became well known via many appearances on Swedish TV. In contrast, his compositions followed a more mellow path. While he embraced serial techniques, he did so with Romantic elan.

Works

dramatic: Dummerjöns (Tom Fool), children’s television opera (1966-67); Copelius, ballet (1968); Ondine, theater music (1968); Vindarnas grotta (Cave of the Winds), television ballet (Stockholm TV, March 30, 1969); Drottning Jag (Queen Ego), opera (1972; Stockholm, Feb. 17, 1973); Don Quijote, scenic oratorio (1990-91). ORCH.: Pereo for 36 Strings (1964); Sym. (1985-86; Malmö, Oct. 22, 1987); Concertino for Clarinet, Viola, Piano, and Orch. (1987). CHAMBER: Sermo modulatus for Flute and Clarinet (1959); Manzit for Clarinet, Trombone, Violin, Piano, and Percussion (1962); Esservecchia for Electric Guitar, Horn, Trombone, and Piano (1963); Warum nicht? for Flute, Violin, Cello, Xylophone, Vibraphone, and Tam-tam (1964); 9 string quartets (c. 1964-90); Etwas für... for Wind Quintet (1966); Ben fatto for Instrument or an infinite number of Instruments (1968); PC-132 for String Quartet (1970); Harmonies for Clarinet, Trombone, Cello, and Piano (1972); Pagabile for Chamber Ensemble (1972); Eurytmi for Piano Quartet (1979); Denby-Richard for Flute and Cello (1981); Solo for Bassoon (1983); EssAEG for 2 Pianos and Electronics (1988); Viuditas per Omnibus for 12 Instruments (1988). VOCAL: 4 Chinese Poems for Chorus (1956); Renovations for Soprano, Flute, Violin, Mandolin, Celesta, and Percussion (1960); Cantata for Children’s Chorus, Violin, Flute, and Harpsichord (1960); Glazba for Soprano, 3 Flutes, and Bassoon (1968); A New Map of Hell for Chorus (1971); Aver la forza di... for Chorus and String Orch. (1972); Ett svenskt rekviem for Soloists, Chorus, and Orch. (1976); Flying Safe for Soprano, Flute, and Chorus (1980); L’aveu for Soloists, Chorus, and Orch. (1982-83); Crepúsculo for Chorus (1992).

—Nicolas Slonimsky/Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire