Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Jean Sibelius with the 2017 release "Sibelius: Tapiola, En saga & Songs." This captivating album, brought to you by the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Hannu Lintu, is a celebration of Sibelius' timeless compositions, released in honor of the composer's 150th anniversary.
The album opens with the majestic tone poem "Tapiola, Op. 112," a symphonic masterpiece that paints a vivid portrait of the Finnish forest, Tapiola. This is followed by "En saga, Op. 9," another tone poem that weaves a tale of Nordic mythology and folklore. The second half of the album features a collection of Sibelius' songs, beautifully orchestrated by Aulis Sallinen and performed by the renowned mezzo-soprano Anne Sofie von Otter. These songs, including "De bägge rosorna," "Sippan," and "Jägargossen," showcase Sibelius' lyrical genius and his deep connection to the Finnish language and culture.
With a total runtime of 55 minutes, this album is a testament to Sibelius' enduring influence on classical music. The Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra's performance is nothing short of breathtaking, capturing the essence of Sibelius' music with precision and passion. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to leave you spellbound.