Composer: Jean Sibelius
Performer: Tuija Hakkila
Format: FLAC (tracks)
Label: Alba
Catalogue: ABCD297
Release: 2019
Size: 225 MB
Recovery: +3%
Scan: cover
5 Characteristic Impressions, Op. 103
01. No. 1, The Village Church
02. No. 2, The Fiddler
03. No. 3, The Oarsman
04. No. 4, The Storm
05. No. 5, In Mournful Mood
5 Pieces for Piano, Op. 85
06. No 1, Bellis
07. No. 2, Oeillet
08. No. 3, Iris
09. No. 4, Aquileja
10. No. 5, Campanula
5 Romantic Pieces, Op. 101
11. No. 1, Romance
12. No. 2, Chant du soir
13. No. 3, Scène lyrique
14. No. 4, Humoresque
15. No. 5, Scène romantique
The Tempest Suite No. 1, Op. 109 No. 2
16. VI. Scène
17. VIIb. Berceuse
18. VII. Miranda
19. II. Intermezzo
20. III. Dance of Nymphs
5 Pieces for Piano, Op. 75
21. No. 1, När rönnen blommar
22. No. 2, Den ensamma furan
23. No. 3, Aspen
24. No. 4, Björken
25. No. 5, Granen
5 Sketches, Op. 114
26. No. 1, Landschaft
27. No. 2, Winterbild
28. No. 3, Der Teich
29. No. 4, Lied im Walde
30. No. 5, Im Frühling
2 Rondinos, Op. 68
31. No. 1 in G-Sharp Minor
32. No. 2 in C-Sharp Minor
Rakkaalle Ainolle, JS 161
33. Rakkaalle Ainolle, JS 161
Jean Sibelius is a huge source of pride for Finland, and this album ought to be as well. Pianist Tuija Hakkila interprets Sibelius’ music with incredible sensitivity, phrasing, delicacy, and emotion that would do the composer proud. The pieces here are not grand concerti or orchestral works in the vein of the Austro-Germanic tradition; rather, they are a series of vignettes and impressions that arguably follow in the French style, and yet they are clearly Sibelius’ own. Five Characteristic Impressions are scenes from a Finnish village, complete with majestic church bells in “The Village Church,” a storm in the eponymous movement, or the somber melancholy of “In Mournful Mood.” Cinq morceaux pour piano are a bouquet of flowers, each one unique and beautiful.
For example, “Bellis” sounds almost classical, while “Oeillet” has a romantic flourish and a sparkling intensity that Hakkila brings to it. Hakkila is an introspective player, and yet she is not timid: she holds the listener’s attention with her elegant touch and assured emotion. This intimacy is so inviting in “Romance” from Five Romantic Compositions, a piece that absolutely pulls at one’s heartstrings. “Scène romantique” from the same suite is by turns dark and tormented, unfulfilled like an illicit affair, and then joyous with a restrained happiness. This is one of Sibelius’ gifts, to be able to evoke emotion that is deep and stirring, and yet never melodramatic or outrageous. Der Sturm are clever vignettes that seem to pay homage to Debussy (“Berceuse” in particular), with a moving melody in “Episode” and the perfect lilt and rubato Hakkila captures in “Tanz der Nymphen.” There is a second set of Cinq morceaux pour piano, this time about trees.
As with the previous work, each tree is special, and one can hear the spruces moving in “Granen.” The album concludes with a piece dedicated to his wife, Aino, and here Hakkila is joined by pianist Heini Kärkkäinen. There is a stately, reverent majesty in the series of chords played with great tenderness and sensitivity. This CD is truly a unique opportunity to hear Sibelius beyond the orchestra, performed by a wonderful artist.