Sibelius: Vocal Music Roundup

 

If you have followed my recent excursion into the songs of Sibelius, you know I am bowled over with the composer's work in this genre. I know the orchestrations aren't always from the composer, but for the most part, I find the orchestrators to be respectful to be in the spirit of Sibelius.

Since I heard most of opp. 36-38 and op. 17 from Marianne Beate Kielland on LAWO and opp. 50 & 57 as well as other individual songs from Gerald Finley on Chandos, I thought I would fill in the gaps with the irrepressible Finnish singers Jorma Hynninen and Soile Isokoski.

I don't really know how many of Sibelius' songs have been orchestrated, nonetheless how many were arranged during the composer's lifetime vs postmortem. Most, if not all, of these pieces started their lives as typical art songs for voice and piano and later made their way to the orchestra. It works remarkably well, for the marriage of the composer's modal harmonies and vivid text choices with the wide array of colors from an instrumental ensemble work hand in hand gorgeously.

Jorma Hynninen has a big, dramatic voice. If I thought Gerald Finley brought out the character of Sibelius stories into a vivid Schubert-ian musical picture, Hynninen is out for pure blood and guts. If the title From an Anxious Heart puts you on edge, wait until you hear the music in action!

I don't think Hynninen works as well in the more reflective numbers. He boldly sings the delicate Diamonds on the March Snow after all, but he does affect a change in his vocal quality for the listener. Still, he can't hide his huge vocal instrument in these moments. Hynninen's baritone will be a matter of taste, I think. I had great fun with this recording, however.

If I thought Marianne Beate Kielland was inconsistent across her mezzo voice, Soile Isokoski remedied matters. Isokoski's is also a full-sounding voice, but she imbues warmth all the same. Her recital with Leif Segerstam and the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra on Ondine includes Luonnotar, fleshing out the recording to over 60 minutes, a rarity among Sibelius orchestrated song programs.

Both of these recordings were led by Leif Segerstam at the helm of the Finnish orchestras. The late Finnish conductor was wonderful in the music of Sibelius, and along with the Ondine recording label, made a whole lot of excellent recordings of the composer's music, offering many rarities to the tried-and-true works.

Since I was only sampling items for this roundup, I did not listen to much from this recording. However, I loved what I heard and will be investing in the complete album as soon as I am able. This is an even higher note considering the Finnish soprano was 50 at the time of this recording. Fantastic!

Recording Roundup

Under the Fir Trees, op. 13 no. 1
Fool's Song of the Spider, op. 27 no. 4
In the Field a Maiden Sings, op. 50 no. 3
From an Anxious Heart, op. 50 no. 4
The Echo Nymph, op. 72 no. 4
Serenade, JS 168
Paddle, Paddle Little Duckling, JS 180
    Jorma Hynninen, baritone
    Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra
    Ondine, 1994; 2007

Arioso, op. 3
Spring is Flying, op. 13 no. 4
    Soile Isokoski, soprano
    Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra
    Leif Segerstam, conductor
    Ondine, 2006