Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Joonas Kokkonen's orchestral masterpieces with this 1996 release from Ondine. The album features the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, conducted by the esteemed Paavo Berglund, delivering a powerful performance of Kokkonen's "...durch einen Spiegel..." and his Symphonies Nos. 1 and 4.
Kokkonen, a prominent Finnish composer, showcases his unique musical language and rich orchestral textures in these works. The album opens with "...durch einen Spiegel...", a tone poem that translates to "Through a Glass Darkly", inspired by a passage from the Bible's First Epistle to the Corinthians. The symphonies that follow are a testament to Kokkonen's ability to blend modernist sensibilities with a deep understanding of classical forms.
Symphony No. 1, composed in 1960-61, is a four-movement work that explores a wide range of emotions, from the contemplative opening Moderato to the exhilarating finale. Symphony No. 4, completed in 1972, is a three-movement work that demonstrates Kokkonen's mature style, with its complex rhythms and rich harmonies.
With a total duration of 59 minutes, this album offers a comprehensive introduction to Kokkonen's symphonic output. The Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, known for its precision and expressiveness, brings out the best in these works, making this release a valuable addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection.
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