Lars-Erik Larsson (1908-1986) was born in the Swedish town of Åkarp. After studying at the Stockholm Conservatory, he won a scholarship which allowed him to study with Alban Berg in Vienna and Fritz Reuter in Leipzig. He had a varied career as a conductor, teacher, radio personality, and composer. He is considered to have written three of the most popular works of Swedish art music. His style is eclectic, ranging from neo-Romantic to atonal. He wrote in virtually every genre, including a considerable amount of chamber music, of which there are several works for string quartet.
His Quartetto alla Serenata dates from 1955. The first movement, Allegro giocoso, is dominated more by its use of interesting rhythm than its thematic material. The second movement, Canzonetta, is marked Andantino and played muted. It is characterized by a constant change of meter. The finale has a substantial and dark-hued Andante tranquillo introduction, almost a movement in itself, which leads to a brighter, peppy, upbeat Allegro vivace. While not traditionally tonal, it is not atonal, although at times it stretches the boundaries of neo-classicism. Certainly an engaging work for the concert hall.
