Haydn, F.J.: Piano Concertos in D Major / F Major

Opera Arias (Baritone) - Hynninen, Jorma

REVIEW:

The problem with these classical "easy listening" compilations is that they usually contain the same familiar snippets of the same works by the same famous and not-so-famous composers, all strung together rather than programmed. Why are they there? Because they're easy to listen to and many of us love hearing beautiful tunes in settings by composers who really know how to write and orchestrate. Well, if you're one such listener, you'll be pleased to find that this compilation not only lives up to its subtitle, but also offers a program of mostly less-familiar pieces -- snippets and selections, yes, but the overall effect is relatively consistent in mood (another problem with many compilations) and it works exceptionally well as quiet background music.

Highlights include Johan Svendsen's respectful orchestral arrangement of Ole Bull's "A Shepherd Girl's Sunday", Svendsen's own Romance for violin and orchestra, several Sibelius selections (from The Tempest, Belshazzar's Feast, and Pelleas & Melisande), and the beautiful Entreacte No. 2 from Glazunov's ballet Raymonda.

Performances, by orchestras such as the Helsinki Philharmonic and Swedish Radio Symphony, are first rate, taken from existing recordings in the Ondine catalog.

-- David Vernier, ClassicsToday.com

Rautavaara, E.: Symphonies Nos. 1-3

Heininen, P. / Hakola, K. / Kurtag, G. / Koskinen, J.: Strin

Finnish composer Bernhard Crusell (1775-1838) was clarinetist in Stockholm's opera orchestra, a position he held for more than 40 years, during which time his chosen instrument experienced much development and refinement-- beginning with simple a two-keyed instrument and evolving to the 11-key model in use at the time of his death. (The Albert and Böhm clarinets would come much later). It's probable that Crusell was one of the first clarinetists to play with the reed resting on the lower lip, resulting in the full, warm sound we associate with instrument today. Crusell studied composition with Berton and Goessec, and his travels brought him into contact with Mendelssohn, Weber, and Meyerbeer. His compositional output included chamber music, opera, and concert works, including these 3 Concertos for clarinet and orchestra.

With solo writing that was advanced for its time, Crusell's concertos show a good deal more imagination and virtuosity than Mozart's. Lyrical singing lines characterize the E-flat concerto, and you can almost imagine a coloratura soprano taking the clarinet's place. The B-flat concerto is in the French style patterned after Kreutzer, and features a lively march in the first movement and an Alla polacca finale, popular among the Parisians. The Concerto in F minor, the most mature of the group, is distinguished by its highly evolved thematic development and deeply felt emotional expression, especially in the beautiful Andante pastorale.

Kari Kriikku is a stunningly assured clarinetist, and plays these remarkable pieces with irresistible flair, joyful abandon, and flawless musicianship. Conductor Sakari Oramo gives special attention to the brilliantly written orchestral parts, expertly and enthusiastically performed by the Finnish Radio Symphony. Ondine's recording provides an ideal and realistic balance between soloist and orchestra, but adds a touch of hall resonance that slightly colors the sound. Nonetheless, this recording is a must for lovers of the clarinet and concertos.

-- Victor Carr Jr., ClassicsToday.com

The soprano performs live with accompanist Martin Katz at the Finnish National Opera, Helsinki, October, 2004, in a concert of works by Duparc, Saariaho, Rachmaninov, Dvorak, Young, and a Finnish traditional work. The bonus CD includes songs by Beethoven.

Aleksis Kivi, who died in 1872 at the age of only 38, is Finland's national writer, the first notable author of plays, poetry and novels in the Finnihs language.

This disc contains both ADD and DDD recordings.

Haydn's instrumental concertos represent only a relatively small part of his output, and were mostly written when the composer was still finding his mature style. The Double Concerto, composed in 1756, is not an especially profound work, although its association with Haydn's frustrated affair with Therese Keller is touchingly revealed in the intimate and expressive Adagio, where Csaba and Gothoni, sympathetically accompanied by the strings of the Kuhmo Virtuosi, create an expressive atmosphere that vividly conveys the music's special emotional significance. Canino uses a harpsichord for his performance with Accardo and the ECO, and that instrument's relatively bright tone suits the clear textures of the score particularly well. Nevertheless, subtle balance between both piano and violin, and soloists and orchestra make Csaba's and Gothoni's elegant and stylishly phrased account immensely engaging.

Mendelssohn's youthful D minor Concerto for violin, piano and strings was composed in 1823 and shows the boy composer's delight in sheer virtuosity and abounding melodic invention. In this piece, Csaba and Gothoni play with flair and sensitivity to realize the music's varied dramatic content, sample the affecting warmth and lyrical poetry in the second movement or the sparkling agility in the concerto's overtly exuberant finale. Kremer and Argerich offer even greater expressive fluency and flamboyance, but Csaba's and Gothoni's version, which effectively places the soloists at the front of the texture, will have wide appeal for its comparably arresting blend of broad lyricism and effervescent technical brilliance.

-- Gramophone [1/1995]

Cluster Ensemble

Selections recorded February and March, 1993.

1. O helga natt / Cantique de Noël 3:56
2. Rauhaa, vain rauhaa/Peace, Perfect Peace 2:13
3. En etsi valtaa, loistoa/We Ask for Nothing Rich or Rare 3:56
4. Jo joutuu ilta/O'er Hill and Dale 2:06
5. Dies est laetitae/Herraa kaikki kiittäkää 2:05
6. Hiljaa, hiljaa helkkyellen/Softly, Softly Ringing 2:31
7. Sylvian joululaulu/Sylvia's Carol 3:50
8. Hiljainen joululaulu/The Peace of Christmas 3:51
9. Maa on niin kaunis/Schönter Herr Jesu 2:43
10. Jouluyö, juhlayö/Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht 4:13
11. On hanget korkeat nietokset/The Shining Snows are Driven High 3:07
12. Arkihuolesi kaikki heitä/Cast Off All Care 2:05
13. Enkelien joululaulu/The Angel's Carol 2:12
14. Mökit nukkuu lumiset/The Snowbound Cabins Sleep 3:27
15. Kun joulu valkeneepi/Now Christmas Is Come 1:37
16. Puer natus in Bethlehem/Synnytti piltin Beetlehem 1:02
17. Panis Angelicus/Leivästä enkelten 3:39
18. O, Jesulein süß/Oi, Jeesus, lapsi armainen 2:09
19. Santa Lucia/Pyhä Lucia 3:43
20. O Tannenbaum/Oi kuusipuu 2:32
21. White Christmas/Valkea joulu 3:45

Ritva-Liisa Korhonen, soprano
Eeva-Liisa Saarinen, mezzo soprano
Raimo Sirkiä, tenor
Jorma Silvasti, tenor
Peter Lindroos, tenor
Jorma Hynninen, baritone
Esa Ruuttunen, baritone
Matti Salminen, bass
Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra
Savonlinna Opera Festival Chorus

Kyösti Haatanen, conductor

Vocal Recital: Dilber - Folksongs from Spain, Finland and Ch

Prokofiev, S.: Violin Sonatas Nos. 1 and 2 / Violin Sonata i