Sibelius’ Youth Piano Vol 2: Gräsbeck’s Insightful Exploration of Formative Works

Composer: Jean Sibelius (1865-1957)
Works: Youth Piano Vol 2
Performers: Folke Gräsbeck (piano)
Recording: BIS CD 1202
Label: BIS
Duration: 69:20
Release Date: 2000

In the realm of early Sibelius, Volume 2 of his Youth Piano collection invites both curiosity and caution, as it traverses the formative years of the composer’s artistic evolution. This disc chronicles the years 1888 to 1891, a period marked by study and experimentation in both Helsinki and Berlin. Folke Gräsbeck, the pianist, navigates these fragments with a commendable assurance, yet the listener must approach with tempered expectations.

Sibelius, a composer whose name conjures the sweeping orchestral textures of Finlandia and the symphonic grandeur of his later works, presents a markedly different character in these youthful piano pieces. It is important to recognize that this is not the Sibelius we associate with the Finnish landscape or nationalistic fervor, but rather a young composer still in the throes of stylistic exploration. Much of the music here is indeed charming, but it often feels like a pastiche of influences rather than the fully realized voice that would emerge in his mature works.

The collection is rife with brevity; many pieces are fragments, sketches of ideas that, while intriguing, do not coalesce into the cohesive statements Sibelius would later master. For instance, the Allegro fragment barely exceeds eighteen seconds, and the three fugal expositions, while technically sound, seem to stall in their development, hinting at a burgeoning talent still finding its footing. The playful Polka, clocking in at just over a minute, serves as a welcome diversion, offering a brief respite from the frustrations of more incomplete thoughts.

However, there are moments where the composer’s burgeoning individuality shines through. The Three Sonata Movements from 1888 exhibit a Beethovenian influence, with their inventive melodic contours and structural integrity. These movements reveal a composer grappling with form and thematic development, showcasing a nascent mastery that foreshadows the symphonic architecture of Sibelius’s later output. The Andante from the Florestan Suite tantalizingly flirts with the familiar—its harmonic turns evoke a sense of nostalgia, even as it flirts with the conventions of the time.

Gräsbeck’s interpretation is both sensitive and confident, embodying an earnestness that serves the material well. His touch is articulate, particularly in the more lyrical passages, where he allows the melodic lines to breathe. Yet, there is also a tendency at times to lean into the whimsical, which, while charming, may distract from the more serious undercurrents present in the music. The absence of a more robust interpretive framework might leave the listener yearning for a deeper exploration of these nascent ideas.

In terms of recording quality, BIS continues to uphold its reputation for excellence. The piano sound is full and resonant, capturing the instrument’s tonal palette with clarity. The engineering allows for a nuanced listening experience, where the subtleties of Gräsbeck’s playing are rendered with fidelity, enabling the listener to appreciate the delicate interplay of melody and harmony throughout the pieces.

Historically, this collection offers a glimpse into Sibelius’s developmental years—years spent in a milieu teeming with the influences of German romanticism and Finnish folk traditions. The works serve as a testament to Sibelius’s formative encounters with pedagogues like Albert Becker and Robert Fuchs, whose stylistic imprints are discernible throughout. Sibelius’s journey from these youthful experiments to the monumental orchestral works of his maturity is a compelling narrative that deepens our understanding of his artistic trajectory.

In conclusion, Youth Piano Volume 2 is a valuable addition for those with a scholarly interest in Sibelius’s oeuvre. While it may not yield the earth-shattering revelations some may hope for, it nevertheless provides an intimate portrait of a composer in the making. Gräsbeck’s interpretations breathe life into these fragments, highlighting their historical significance and offering a window into the mind of a young Sibelius on the cusp of greatness. For the dedicated Sibelius enthusiast, this recording will undoubtedly delight, while also prompting reflection on the complexities of artistic development.

Tom Fasano has been writing reviews of classical music recordings for the past quarter century. He's finally making them public on this blog.