Composer: Jean Sibelius
Works: Ett ensamt skidspör, Grevinnans konterfej, Rodlan, Opus 8, Presto, Andante Festivo, Rakastava, Opus 14, Romance, Opus 42, Suite Champêtre, Opus 98b, Impromptu Suite for violin and strings, Opus 114
Performers: Matti Lehtinen, Lilga Kovanku (reciters), Jari Valo (violin), Ostrobothnian Chamber Orchestra, Juha Kangas
Recording: Recorded September 1993, Kaustinen Church, Finland
Label: WARNER APEX 09274 06072
Jean Sibelius, the quintessential voice of Finnish nationalism and a master of orchestral color, often imbued his works with a deep sense of place and emotion. This compilation of string orchestra pieces, many lesser-known, provides a fascinating glimpse into the composer’s stylistic evolution and his ability to craft music that resonates on both intimate and grand scales. The selection ranges from the emotive and atmospheric “Rakastava” to the lighter, pastoral “Suite Champêtre,” showcasing Sibelius’s versatility and profound understanding of string sonority.
The performance, under the baton of Juha Kangas, is marked by a remarkable cohesion and warmth. The Ostrobothnian Chamber Orchestra exhibits technical prowess as well as an understanding of Sibelius’s unique harmonic language. Particularly noteworthy is the three-movement “Rakastava,” where the strings weave a tapestry of lush textures and delicate melodies. The nuanced dynamics and phrasing reveal Kangas’s interpretive choices, which lean towards a Romantic expressiveness that complements Sibelius’s own stylistic inclinations. The balance between the reciters and the orchestra in the melodramatic pieces, such as “Ett ensamt skidspör,” is particularly effective, although the performances may lose some contextual depth for those unfamiliar with Finnish.
Recording quality is exceptional, with the acoustics of Kaustinen Church enhancing the intrinsic qualities of the string ensemble. The reverberation is neither overwhelming nor too dry, allowing the richness of the strings to shine through while maintaining clarity in the intricate musical lines. This sonic environment particularly favors the emotional depth found in “Romance, Opus 42,” where the interplay between the violin and strings creates a dialogue that is both poignant and arresting. The engineering captures the subtleties of Sibelius’s scoring, ensuring that even the most delicate passages emerge with clarity and impact.
While the insert booklet provides useful insights into the works, the design detracts from the experience. The small print may alienate some listeners, and the lack of translations for the recited texts limits the accessibility of the melodramatic elements. Nonetheless, the inclusion of these rarities adds an intriguing layer to the collection, inviting exploration of Sibelius’s broader oeuvre beyond his most celebrated symphonies.
This release, though not populated with Sibelius’s most iconic works, is a treasure trove of beautifully crafted music that showcases the composer’s lesser-known yet equally compelling compositions. The Ostrobothnian Chamber Orchestra, under Kangas’s adept direction, breathes life into these pieces, offering a performance that balances technical skill with emotional depth. The recording quality further enriches the listening experience, making this compilation a valuable addition to both the Sibelius discography and the broader chamber music repertoire. The exploration of these byways of Sibelius’s output is not only rewarding but essential for those wishing to grasp the full scope of his artistic vision.
