Sibelius: Luonnotar, Op. 70 / Orchestral Songs

DSD - 5.0 Surround - SACD + CD Hybrid
Playable on all SACD and CD players

MIDEM Classical Award 2007 Winner

Disc of the Year & Vocal Award Winner (BBC Music Magazine)

"This is an important recording for anyone interested in Sibelius. Isokoski is by far the finest exponent of Sibelius's vocal work, which she has championed for many years. Indeed, it was her version of Kullervo (also with Segerstam) in 1994 that made me realise what an exceptional singer she was, long before I heard her divine Mozart and Strauss. This new recording surpasses all others, including Isokoski's earlier Luonnotar with Järvi. This is magic - Ondine should be very proud!"
(MusicWeb Recording of the Month July 2006)

"Soile Isokoski's voice has matured into a powerful instrument without losing its distinctively plangent expressiveness and intense way with words. Segerstam here provides spacious yet vividly dramatic support, with superb orchestral playing. And the recording, excellent in CD stereo, is utterly stunning in multichannel SACD: airy, large-scale, immediate and detailed with diamond clarity."
Five Stars BBC Music Mag (July 2006)

"Soile Isokoski has never made a more beautiful recording than this. She offers what must be accounted, hands down, as the finest performance of the tone poem Luonnotar currently available. (…) A marvelous release in every respect."
- David Hurwitz, ClassicsToday.com, May 2005, Disc of the Month, Artistic Quality 10/10 Sound Quality

"Soprano Soile Isokoski overwhelms not only because of the mere beauty of the songs, but she also delivers moments of consummate artistry."
- Ekkehard Pluta, Klassik-Heute, April 2006, 10/10/10

"A magic Luonnotar, layed on an orchestral tissue and performed by Soile Isokoski in one of her most beautiful recordings (if not her most beautiful one). (…) the chemistry between Isokoski and Segerstam is perfect. (…) This anthology has no competition in the catalogue."
- Christophe Huss, ClassicsTodayFrance.com, May 2005, Disque du mois, Artistique 10/10 Technique

" (…) sung by Isokoski with a potent mix of tenderness and passion, a richness of voice and subtle dynamic inflections, with soaring lines beautifully floated and tailored. Newcomers to Sibelius's songs could find no more persuasive introduction; aficionados will be entranced."
- Geoffrey Norris, The Daily Telegraph, Classical CD of the week, 13 May 2006

"Soile Isokoski (…) has arguably the most beautiful voice of her type, excelling in Mozart and Strauss. Here, she sets down her equally glowing credentials as a Sibelian."
- Hugh Canning, The Sunday Times, Classical CD of the Week, 7 May 2005