Credits:

Sibelius (1865-1957)

Description:

Hanne Lintu and the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra present the Sibelius series. This time, Hanne Lintu and the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra present two symphonic poems and "Eight Romances" with the famous singer Anne-Sophie von Otter as soloist. The symphonic poem "Tapiola," composed in the last period of Sibelius' compositional career, immediately after the Seventh Symphony, is based on the Finnish epic poem "Kalevala," but instead of depicting a concrete story, it is a highly accomplished work that depicts the ethereal Finnish forest in abstract form. Lintu also clearly distinguishes the difference in style between the two works. The "Eight Romances" was originally intended for piano accompaniment, but Rintt and the orchestra commissioned contemporary composer Sallinen (1935-) to orchestrate a brilliant orchestral version. The magnificent accompaniment complements Otter's gentle singing and brings out the full charm of the work. Naxos Japan