Sibelius: Scaramouche

 

 

There are a number of fine musical attributes across the 70-minute score to Scaramouche, labelled on the cover as a ballet, but is really a pantomime. The music is fully Romantic, although Sibelius inserts tiny dissonant cells, I imagine for dramatic purposes, which are a surprise anytime they appear.

The opening theme in the flutes is as fresh a new spring day, making for a wonderful start to the work. The second big set piece is a Spanish-sounding bolero dance sequence, while the third a waltz-like theme which Sibelius puts through the musical wringer. All of these exist in the first Act, although the waltz is carried through to the second Act, and rest make a reprise at the end of the work.

Act I is the prize for music listening. Sibelius nearly makes this portion a concertante piece, with solos for viola and cello to represent characters, but also, the oboe and clarinets, plus a curious part for piano, are given a separation from the rest of the ensemble. This makes for a most interesting listening session.

It is Act II which contains the most musical holes though, as the music makes way for the plot, leaving the listener with not much to grasp onto for a while. I will say, if you are a lover of string orchestra, there is quite a bit given over to the string section in the second Act, and much of it is quite lovely, particularly in the hands of Finnish conductor Leif Segerstam. Everything comes together for the conclusion though, reminding the listener of all the cues they relished from earlier on in the production.

Leif Segerstam is a patient conductor, taking his time with all of the musical elements presented in Scaramouche. I do wish Naxos would have recognized the other concertante soloists besides the viola and cello, for the oboe and some others have a large role as well. Otherwise, the Naxos sound is clear, bringing all of the extra musical elements to the fore, even if the piano in Act I could use a little goosing, a sonic aspect which is alleviated in that instrument's bigger role in Act II. 

 

 

 

 

Works
Scaramouche, op. 71

Soloists
Bendik Goldstein, viola
Roi Routtinen, cello

Ensembles
Turku Philharmonic Orchestra
Leif Segerstam, conductor

Label: Naxos
Year: 2015
Total Timing: 71.01

 

 

 

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