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Cover: The Absolute Sibelius – Violin Concerto · Symphony No. 2

The Absolute Sibelius

Violin Concerto

Symphony No. 2

Pekka Kuusisto, violin
Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra
Leif Segerstam, conductor

ODE 1115-2 · CD · July 2007

Buy / listen

Track listing

7 tracks · 81:42

Listen to samples on selected tracks.

Jean Sibelius

  1. Violin Concerto in D Minor, Op. 47 33:33
  2. 1 I. Allegro moderato 18:27
  3. 2 II. Adagio di molto 9:12
  4. 3 III. Allegro, ma non tanto 7:45
  5. Symphony No. 2 in D Major, Op. 43 45:45
  6. 4 I. Allegretto 10:39
  7. 5 II. Tempo andante, ma rubato 15:03
  8. 6 III. Vivacissimo 6:23
  9. 7 IV. Finale. Allegro moderato 14:13

About this recording

This CD release forms the final part of Ondine's Sibelius 2007 campaign, paying homage to the foremost icon of Finnish classical music, who died 50 years ago. The Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, which played Sibelius's music under the composer's baton, and chief conductor Leif Segerstam have unrivaled credentialsin the performance of Sibelius's music.

Starring in the Violin Concerto is young violinist Pekka Kuusisto ("may be the best thing to happen to classical music" - The Guardian, 16 January 2007), who recorded the famous work shortly after winning the Sibelius competition in 1995. His acclaimed first disc on Ondine won The Music Industries Association's 'Annual Award for Excellence' in 1996 and was an international bestseller (ODE 878-2). The 45-minute Second Symphony is the most popular of Sibelius's symphonies. The present recording was released for the first time in 2003 (ODE 1026-2).

Features

Booklet with liner notes in English, German, French and Finnish

Press

Pekka Kuusisto follows the score explicitly, sporting a tone with a pleasing edge, singing but without resorting to sentimental tricks. Leif Segerstam and the Helsinki Philharmonic perform splendidly, with real understanding and understatement. Although the tempos are slowish, the breadth is backed by a sure rhythmic foundation, breathing authentic Finnish air.
The Strad, September 2007, Top Choice

The artists

Pekka Kuusisto

Finnish violinist Pekka Kuusisto is one of the most versatile and distinctive musicians working today. Always demonstrating his extraordinary individuality and imagination, he is unusually free and fluid in his approach and has been acclaimed for the spontaneity and freshness in his playing. Setting Pekka Kuusisto apart from most other violinists of his generation is his desire and ability to improvise, and his love of playing many different styles of music, channeling the same intensity into each genre.

Full biography

Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra

The Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, the first professional symphony orchestra to be founded in the Nordic countries (1882), has grown from a band of 36 players to an orchestra of 102 regular members.

Full biography

Leif Segerstam

Leif Segerstam (1944-2024) received diplomas from the Sibelius Academy in violin and conducting. He won the Maj Lind Piano Competition in 1962 and gave his first violin recital in 1963. He rounded off his studies at the Juilliard School in New York, where he was awarded a conducting diploma in 1964.

Full biography

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