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8.573299
Originally recorded in 2015
Classical
Orchestral & Concertos
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About
Jean Sibelius was the most significant figure in the formation of Finland’s musical identity. Beyond the famous symphonies and tone poems he was prolific in other genres, including music for the theatre. King Christian II and Kuolema ensured Sibelius’s fame throughout Europe, the latter including the haunting melody (track 2) which would later become the Valse triste. The Two Songs from Twelfth Night contrast the spectre of death with more comical moods, an effect also to be heard in one of Sibelius’s least performed orchestral works, the Overture in A minor.
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Reviews
(Review for NX 3299/ NX 3300/ NX 3301)
“…The playing of the Turku orchestra is immaculate throughout, and the recorded acoustic is superb. Even those Sibelians who have already acquired [other] versions will find something in these Naxos readings to be of interest, and those who are unfamiliar with the music in its original form will enjoy the process of exploration at budget price … an experience to relish.”
“…Segerstam draws fine, idiomatic playing from the Turku players, allowing the music to speak for itself… While this may not be top-drawer Sibelius, it is good music nonetheless and shows that this iconic Finnish composer could write light music of high quality. Recommended.”
“Segerstam directs with his customary big heart and acute sensitivity for texture and mood… The young Finnish baritone Waltteri Torikka gives a wonderful account of the haunting ‘Fool’s Song of the Spider’… Soprano Pia Pajala makes a heady thing of Elsa’s song ‘Eilaa, eilaa’, while Torikka’s lustrous timbre sent shivers down my spine in ‘Paavali’s Song’. …Segerstam offers most attentive support. The engineering is truthful throughout.”
(Review for NX 3299 & NX 3300)
“Naxos should be congratulated for bringing these recordings into the Sibelius discography. The Finnish conductor Leif Segerstam is a master of this repertoire and he draws some wonderful sounds from the Turku Philharmonic Orchestra. They really excel in the hushed, poignant and delicate passages and Segerstam also generates plenty of power and excitement when required. The sound quality is excellent on both discs… “
“…Leif Segerstam may have his own and sometimes very particular views of Sibelius’s music, yet he never loses sight of what serves the atmosphere of the various pieces. So, again, we admire his gripping conducting on this valuable new production.” *****
“…Segerstam’s conducting…is lovingly shaped…always attentive to the music’s colors and moods.”
“Segerstam has his Turku Philharmonic playing with both idiomatic, long-focused energy and poignant understatement…” ****
Media Downloads
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