“Although a relatively small orchestra is employed, including a piano, Sibelius’s genius is such that much colour and evocation is evident and which sustains a long and rewarding listen… Leif Segerstam (a dedicated Sibelian) and the Turku Philharmonic are poised and lively advocates for this fascinating off-shoot of Sibelius’s capabilities, at once inimitable and economical yet imaginatively indicative of the story and the stage action. The recording is beautifully clear and airy.” ****

“The title character in Scaramouche is, of all things, a viola player—and a hunchbacked dwarf for good measure—so there are important parts in the score for solo viola and cello, expertly played by Bendik Goldstein and Roi Ruottinen, respectively. Indeed, Segerstam gets admirable playing from the entire Turku Philharmonic, and Naxos’s recording is fine.”

“The playing is responsive to these slowish tempi chosen by Leif Segerstam and the whole enterprise is further affirmation of Naxos’s desire to bring forth ambitious full scores of Sibelius’s often magical music for the theatre in this well-crafted series from Turku. “ *****

“…Leif Segerstam has all the inspiration and power to convert Sibelius’s Scaramouche in an appealing score, with a lot of atmosphere. This is a real Sound-Hitchcock.” ****

Artistic Quality 9      Sound Quality 9

“…Sibelius was not really comfortable writing decadent sleeze (it was a Viennese specialty), though the scoring is imaginative and the music has plenty of otherworldly atmosphere… Segerstam captures the music’s weirdness with greater relish and Sibelius completists will surely need this performance to fill out their collections.”

“…Leif Segerstam masterminds a characteristically unhurried, atmospheric display and proves especially adept at teasing out every drop of sinister unease and harmonic daring from the music of the duetting solo viola and solo cello associated with the hunchback Scaramouche. What’s more, his polished band is with him every step of the way. Excellent sound and truthful balance, too. What an absorbing journey of discovery this series has proved to be; congratulations to everyone involved!”

Performance ****      Recording *****

“…Leif Segerstam brings out the dreamy, decadent atmosphere very convincingly, although the one rival version, Neeme Järvi’s premiere recording with the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra (on BIS), is slightly warmer and richer-sounding. Both are excellent, but this is half the price and easy to recommend. “