Sibelius: Incidental Music

 

 

As is usually the case with this listener, incidental music can be hit and miss for me due to the genre's occasional piecemeal presentation. This is no fault of the music, for at times stage productions only need music to play for scene changes or during important emotional or plot-pivotal moments. While individual cues might be very attractive, as a complete work, incidental music can be less effective, no matter the composer.

So it is with Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. My instant favorites from this Naxos series are definitely Belshazzar's Feast and Jedermann. The common denominator in these two works are their cohesive musical unity, making a wholly satisfying work throughout. I could probably add Swanwhite, Scaramouche, and King Christian II to this list, although these pieces have some lulls inherent to the genre. The only work which did absolutely nothing for me was The Lizard, a long, slow two-movement number with not much more than atmosphere and background music, all set in a highly chromatic style. Surprisingly, neither Karelia and The Tempest are included here, a glaring omission as a set. One would think at least the overtures might be included as extras.

No matter, for this set has plenty of other rare bon-bons programmed. I think I count seventeen bite-sized bonuses across the 6CDs, some vocal numbers with orchestra, some purely orchestral pieces, and others with narration to bolster the incidental music theme of this set. These pieces also allow some feature soloists to come forward and display their skills as well.

No matter what I think of the music, Leif Segerstam and the Turku Philharmonic Orchestra perform beautifully throughout. The string sound Segerstam elicits from Turku is consistently gorgeous, and the Finnish conductor's patient way with the music of Sibelius assures the listener they receive the full breadth of the composer's music for the stage. To contrast Segerstam, most of these works were previously recorded on BIS, most from Finnish conductor Osmo Vänskä, and each are usually quite speedier or more flowing than this Naxos set. Of course, faster doesn't always translate to better. There are a few pieces, such as Kuolema and Pelléas and Mélisande, which might have benefited a rougher or, at the very least, a more contrasted handling.

As to Naxos' physical media, and unlike similar sets for Leroy Anderson, Rossini, Granados, and Sarasate, I don't feel short changed by these 6CDs. While the liner notes are good at giving the listener a fine sequence of events in each of these stage productions, they occasionally leave out important information, such as the peacock in Swanwhite. Also, I am curious why Naxos changed the look of their cover art halfway through the project, with the first three recordings using icy landscapes, but the last three applying a single digital image against a stark white background, similar to what they did in the Rossini set. This isn't upsetting more than it is a rather sharp turn. So too, in one or two of the individual releases, I felt they could have credited more musicians who played a larger role in the music, but overall, this is a satisfying product.

For me, this isn't a blockbuster set, but remains an excellent way to explore music off-the-beaten path from Sibelius. The music doesn't contain anything which will change anyone's mind regarding Sibelius, nor draw new listeners to his music, but certainly gives a deeper understanding as to the composer's career.

 

 

Works
Check out my individual reviews of each volume on the Sibelius composer page, linked below.

Volume 1: Kuolema & King Christian II (71.16)
Volume 2: Belshazzar's Feast (63.01)
Volume 3: Pelléas and Mélisande (57.49)
Volume 4: Jedermann (72.50)
Volume 5: Swanwhite & The Lizard (63.34)
Volume 6: Scaramouche (71.01)

Soloists
Pia Pajala, soprano (Vol. 1, 2, 3, 4)
Sari Nordqvist, mezzo-soprano (Vol. 3)
Tuomas Katajala, tenor (Vol. 4)
Waltteri Torikka, baritone (Vol. 1)
Nicholas Söderlund, bass (Vol. 4)
Riko Eklundh, narrator (Vol. 5)

Mikaela Palmu, violin (Vol. 4)
Bendik Goldstein, viola (Vol. 6)
Roi Ruottinen, cello (Vol. 6)

Ensembles
Cathedralis Aboensis Choir (Vol. 4)
Turku Philharmonic Orchestra
Leif Segerstam, conductor

Label: Naxos
Year: 2015
Total Timing: 6.39.31

 

 

None of these compositions are the finest music from Sibelius, thus I wouldn't lead any new listeners to the composer here first.

However, for fans of the composer, there are treasures to explore. Incidental music is inherently up and down as a genre, so enjoyment comes in fits and starts.

Luckily, Segerstam and Turku believe in this music, making beautiful sounds throughout.

 

 

 

 

Find more Sibelius recordings HERE!