Rautavaara: Works for String Orchestra, Vol. 1

 

Here is a program of two musical worlds, featuring string orchestra works from Finnish composer Einojuhani Rautavaara. Four of these pieces were composed in the 1950s, while two come from the 1980s, and it should be noted one of the 50s compositions was later revised in the 80s as well.

I am quite enthusiastic over the first three works on this recording, all hailing from the 1950s. There is joy and delight aplenty, and once you get past the initial harmonic uncertainty of the very first movement of Fiddlers, there is charm galore. If his Divertimento sustains rather light moods, the Suite for Strings stretches such feelings into a longer, more serious-sounding format. If there is a folk-like quality to some of the music here, I can't speak as to Rautavaara's intent, but such sounds at least add to a certain tunefulness present in these early numbers.

The later works, including the revised one from the 50s, are all homages and dedications to past Hungarian composers. Each employ extended string techniques and can be harmonically harsh. The 14-minute Hommage à Kodály Zoltan is the trickiest one for my ears, and while Rautavaara completely dwells within diatonicism, the dissonance quotient is high. Less so in the Epitaph for Béla Bartók and Hommage à Liszt Ferenc, but there is a startling change in compositional style from the 50s to the 80s.

The Ostrobothnian Chamber Orchestra plays delightfully throughout, representing a region of Finland I was hitherto unfamiliar with (Truth be told, I thought these were space people who died in order to steal the plans of the Death Star for the Rebel Alliance!). Despite my uncertainty with some of Rautavaara's music here, I am greatly looking forward to hear what Ostrobothnian conductor Juha Kangas presents in Volume 2 of this short series of string orchestra music.

 

 

 

Works
Before the Icons (25.15)
A Tapestry of Life (24.10)

Ensembles
Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra

Leif Segerstam, conductor 

Label: Ondine
Year: 2010
Total Timing: 49.37

While I am unusually enthusiastic over the first three works on this all-Rautavaara string-orchestra program, the last three will require time on my part for appreciation.

No such time is needed for the playing of the Ostrobothnian Chamber Orchestra, who regale this music under the direction of Juha Kanga with fine playing across the board.

Find more Rautavaara recordings HERE!