Composer: Leif Segerstam
Works: Symphony No. 15, Waiting For… – Orchestral Diary Sheet No. 30
Performers: Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra, Avanti! Chamber Orchestra, Leif Segerstam (conductor)
Recording: YLE 1991/1992
Label: Kontrapunkt 32125
Leif Segerstam, a composer-conductor of considerable repute, presents two compelling works in this recording that encapsulate his unique voice in contemporary classical music. Born in 1944, Segerstam has woven a rich tapestry of orchestral color and thematic exploration throughout his career. The two pieces here, Symphony No. 15 and Waiting For… – Orchestral Diary Sheet No. 30, both premiered in 1990, reflect a period of intense musical inquiry and personal expression, drawing from the natural world and historical events for inspiration.
The Symphony No. 15 is a vivid sonic representation of the total solar eclipse that graced Finland on July 22, 1990. Segerstam’s orchestration is marked by a striking use of upper register sonorities that create an ethereal and shimmering soundscape. The work unfolds as a continuous movement, structured around a central theme of cosmic wonder. The interplay of orchestral voices is reminiscent of Rautavaara and Hovhaness, yet Segerstam’s approach is distinctly his own. The score is rife with “whale, bird, and dolphin chirrups” that emerge through the orchestral fabric, contributing to a sound world that oscillates between chaos and rhapsody. Notably, the climactic moments are punctuated by Beethovenian stomps and Sibelian brass accents, which lend weight and drama to the unfolding narrative. The Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra performs with exceptional clarity and cohesion, demonstrating a deep understanding of the textural intricacies demanded by Segerstam’s score.
In contrast, Waiting For… presents a more introspective exploration, functioning as an “Orchestral Diary.” This piece is characterized by its episodic structure and the composer’s own term “freepulsativity,” which suggests a fluidity in rhythm and thematic development. The constant violin solo serves as a narrative thread, drawing listeners into a reflective dialogue that could easily be mistaken for a concerto. The work is imbued with a palpable sense of tension, as it captures the anticipation surrounding the Gulf War’s commencement. The subtle inclusion of whale groans and other aquatic motifs evokes a sense of longing and nostalgia, akin to the magical expectation of a child’s Christmas Eve. This duality creates a rich emotional landscape, one that the Avanti! Chamber Orchestra navigates with a delicate balance of precision and expressiveness.
The recording quality on Kontrapunkt is commendable, capturing the nuances of Segerstam’s orchestration with clarity. The engineering allows for a vivid spatial representation of the orchestral forces, affording each section its due prominence without sacrificing the overall blend. This attention to detail enhances the listening experience, inviting the audience to engage deeply with the subtleties of the music. While the total duration of the disc may seem short at just under 46 minutes, the concentrated intensity of both works compensates for this brevity, providing a satisfying immersion in Segerstam’s musical universe.
Segerstam’s Symphony No. 15 and Waiting For… stand as significant contributions to contemporary orchestral literature. They reflect a composer who deftly marries personal experience with broader existential themes, rendered through a distinctive orchestral palette. The interpretation by both orchestras under Segerstam’s baton is insightful and sensitive, showcasing his dual talents as composer and conductor. This recording not only affirms Segerstam’s artistic vision but also invites listeners to explore the rich emotional depths and intricate textures of his music, making it a valuable addition to the discography of contemporary symphonic works.
