Einar Englund's (1916-1999) musical language is, in his own words, based on sweeping terms and great symphonic lines. He built his works on themes, clear harmonies and polyphonic thinking. As a composer he was a neo-classicist, whose music based on tonality and included long, compact and even romantic melodic lines side by side with spicy dissonances, energetic rhythm and vigorous orchestration. Serenata for string orchestra (1983) is divided in four movements, including a nostalgic menuetto and an energetic and airy Finale with Bartok-like turns. The overall duration is 20 minutes.