Sibelius: Kuolema & King Christian II

 

Despite being early works, I enjoy both of Sibelius' overtures, here Overture in A minor and the Overture in E Major from Volume 2 (BLOG).

This one in A minor is bookended by brass chorales with a crazy harmonic progression. I am mystified and delighted each time it appears. In the middle is a light, frothy setting, which mixes with the brass at the conclusion. Unlike its E Major brother, this one knows to keep its length in check too.

On the other hand, I am not enraptured by Kuolema. Sure it is nice to have the Valse Triste in its incidental form, with baritone solo too, and The Cranes is a look ahead at Scene with Cranes as well. The rest, including the Two Songs from Twelfth Night, are so delicate and intimate, one yearns for some color and contrast from what came before. I daresay much of it is underplayed as well, taking time in music which perchance can't take it.

The King Christian II music continues these qualities, although one senses more substantial music making on the part of Sibelius. Once the listener gets to the Nocturne, Serenade, and Ballade, the home stretch becomes terrific listening once again.

I think one reason I didn't connect with this program, including what was mentioned above, is Leif Segerstam takes everything too dag-gum slow. I appreciate the delicate nature the Finnish conductor creates in the music, but it simply goes on for far too long. Give me Osmo Vänskä's recordings on BIS in this programming any day of the week, and I will be happier.

But, the Naxos sound is good and the Turku Philharmonic Orchestra fares well. I caught some minuscule ensemble issues, however nothing to ruin any particular moment for any length of time. Soprano Pia Pajala sings very briefly, as does baritone Waltteri Torikka, who is outgunned dramatically by Jorma Hynninen on Ondine with Segerstam.

If you caught my mix-up of Volume 1 and 2 in my previous entry from this series (this is Volume 1), I am almost glad it occurred, for Volume 2 was outstanding. Check out my Fuchsia link at the top of this blog post to investigate further.

 

 

 

Works
Kuolema, JS 113 (24.14)
King Christian II, op. 27 (35.19)
Overture in A minor, JS 144 (6.58)
Twelfth Night: Two Songs, op. 60 (4.44)

Soloists
Pia Pajala, soprano
Waltteri Torikka, baritone

Ensembles
Turku Philharmonic Orchestra
Jukka-Pekka Saraste, conductor

Label: Naxos
Year: 2015
Total Timing: 71.16

 

 

 

 

Find more Sibelius recordings HERE!