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BIS

Northern Horizons

$21.99

Details

Composer
Hugo Alfven, Tryggvi M. Baldvinsson, Piers Hellawell, Carl Nielsen, Julius Rontgen, Albert Schnelzer
Artist
Markus Maskuniitty
Format
SACD
Label
BIS
Released
Jan 16, 2026
Catalog #
BIS-2712
UPC
7318599927121

About

Throughout history, the open landscapes and mythical cultures of the Nordic countries have triggered the imagination of artists. Finnish horn player Markus Maskuniitty and pianist Martin Sturfalt perform works which, although separated in time by more than a century, all draw their inspiration from from these areas of interest. The compositions gathered here approach these Nordic themes from different angles, blending traditional folk influences with contemporary classical techniques whilst exploring the horn's lyrical and dramatic capabilities and it's rich sound palette. Recent compositions by Piers Hellawell, Tryggvi M. Baldvinsson, Albert Schnelzer and Benjamin Staern are mixed with older works by Carl Nielsen, Hugo Alfven and Julius Rontgen, including the latter's Aus Jotunheim, a suite characterized by an irresistible Norwegian flavour throughout it's five movements, quoting everything from cattle calls to lullabies with plenty of rustic folk dancing in between. This imaginative program designed by Maskuniity and Sturfalt puts a spotlight on the unique character of the Nordic musical identity.

Tracklist 12 tracks

  1. 1 Ice Feathers 04:15
    Track
    1
    Title
    Ice Feathers
    Duration
    04:15
    Composer
    Piers Hellawell
    Performer
    Markus Maskuniitty, Martin Sturfält
  2. 2 Narwhal Joust 04:22
    Track
    2
    Title
    Narwhal Joust
    Duration
    04:22
    Composer
    Piers Hellawell
    Performer
    Markus Maskuniitty, Martin Sturfält
  3. 3 Canto serioso, FS 132 03:35
    Track
    3
    Title
    Canto serioso, FS 132
    Duration
    03:35
    Composer
    Carl Nielsen
    Performer
    Markus Maskuniitty, Martin Sturfält
  4. 4 Notturno elegiaco, Op. 5 (version for horn and piano) 05:46
    Track
    4
    Title
    Notturno elegiaco, Op. 5 (version for horn and piano)
    Duration
    05:46
    Composer
    Hugo Alfvén
    Performer
    Markus Maskuniitty, Martin Sturfält
  5. 5 Fantasiestück 11:28
    Track
    5
    Title
    Fantasiestück
    Duration
    11:28
    Composer
    Tryggvi M. Baldvinsson
    Performer
    Markus Maskuniitty, Martin Sturfält
  6. 6 I. Lento, ma un poco andante 03:43
    Track
    6
    Title
    I. Lento, ma un poco andante
    Duration
    03:43
    Composer
    Julius Röntgen
    Performer
    Markus Maskuniitty, Martin Sturfält
  7. 7 II. Vivo ed energico 03:13
    Track
    7
    Title
    II. Vivo ed energico
    Duration
    03:13
    Composer
    Julius Röntgen
    Performer
    Markus Maskuniitty, Martin Sturfält
  8. 8 III. Andante con moto 02:31
    Track
    8
    Title
    III. Andante con moto
    Duration
    02:31
    Composer
    Julius Röntgen
    Performer
    Markus Maskuniitty, Martin Sturfält
  9. 9 IV. Allegro giocoso 03:36
    Track
    9
    Title
    IV. Allegro giocoso
    Duration
    03:36
    Composer
    Julius Röntgen
    Performer
    Markus Maskuniitty, Martin Sturfält
  10. 10 V. Lento, con gran espressione 06:57
    Track
    10
    Title
    V. Lento, con gran espressione
    Duration
    06:57
    Composer
    Julius Röntgen
    Performer
    Markus Maskuniitty, Martin Sturfält
  11. 11 I Remember River Clear 07:16
    Track
    11
    Title
    I Remember River Clear
    Duration
    07:16
    Composer
    Albert Schnelzer
    Performer
    Markus Maskuniitty, Martin Sturfält
  12. 12 Day and Night 10:46
    Track
    12
    Title
    Day and Night
    Duration
    10:46
    Composer
    Benjamin Staern
    Performer
    Markus Maskuniitty, Martin Sturfält