Dive into the enchanting world of Finnish art song with Seppo Nummi's "Nummi: 5 Song Cycles," a captivating collection of vocal works that showcase the composer's unique voice and deep connection to his cultural heritage. Released in 1985, this album is a testament to Nummi's mastery of song composition, featuring five distinct song cycles that span a variety of moods and themes.
The album opens with "Vuoripaimen" (Mountain Shepherd), a cycle that evokes the stark beauty of the Finnish landscape and the solitude of the shepherd's life. Nummi's music is both evocative and introspective, painting vivid pictures with his melodic and harmonic language. The cycle "Kevatteilta" (From Spring Roads) follows, capturing the fleeting beauty of spring and the longing it inspires. Each song in this cycle is a gem, with Nummi's delicate settings of his own poetry bringing the words to life.
"Lansilinnan Lauluja" (Songs of the Western Palace) offers a more dramatic contrast, with its tales of love, enchantment, and the passage of time. The final two cycles, "Lauluja hyljatylta seudulta" (Songs from a Deserted Place) and "Syyspäivät" (Autumn Days), explore themes of loss, memory, and the inexorable march of time, with Nummi's music providing a poignant commentary on the human condition.
Throughout the album, Nummi's compositions are brought to life by a talented cast of performers, including pianists Ralf Gothóni and Margareta Haverinen, and baritone Matti Juhani Piipponen. Their sensitive interpretations bring out the full range of Nummi's expressive power, making this album a true showcase of Finnish art song at its finest.
The album is a great way to discover the rich tapestry of Finnish music and the unique voice of Seppo Nummi. With a running time of just over an hour, it's the perfect way to spend an afternoon, immersing yourself in the beauty of Nummi's music and the power of his words. Whether you're a seasoned fan of art song or a newcomer to the genre, "Nummi: 5 Song Cycles" is sure to captivate and inspire.
Seppo Nummi (1932-1981) was a distinguished Finnish composer renowned for his intimate and expressive solo songs. Born in Oulu and passing away in Tampere, Nummi's musical legacy is marked by his prolific output, with nearly 230 compositions to his name. His work is characterised by a deep emotional resonance, as evidenced by his five song cycles, which have captivated audiences with their profound and evocative storytelling. Nummi's music, though not as widely known as some of his contemporaries, has left a lasting impact on those who have encountered it, with his recordings praised for their sheer beauty and artistic depth. His brother, the poet Lassi Nummi, also contributed to the rich cultural tapestry of Finland, further cementing the Nummi family's place in the country's artistic heritage.
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