Sibelius: Scenes historiques I and II / King Christian II Suite

Sibelius: Scenes historiques I and II / King Christian II Suite cover $25.00 In Stock add to cart

JEAN SIBELIUS
Sibelius: Scenes historiques I and II / King Christian II Suite
New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Pietari Inkinen

[ Naxos / CD ]

Release Date: Saturday 26 January 2008

Sibelius's first set of Scènes historiques forms a suite taken from music for a patriotic pageant, staged in 1899 at a time of increasing Finnish nationalism and originally including Finlandia, which was published separately. For his Scènes Historiques II Sibelius composed new music. In the opening The Chase, horns are heard through the mist, followed by the wild chase, with its impelling rhythms. The incidental music for Adolf Paul's play King Christian II, set in the 16th century, deals with the King's love of a commoner, her murder by a jealous rival and the King's bloodthirsty revenge. It includes a strongly-felt love scene, Nocturne, with many elements characteristic of the composer's future musical language.

"As an addition to the ever-growing Sibelius catalogue this is most welcome"
(MusicWeb Feb 2008)

"Recordings of this entrancing repertoire are
always welcome, particularly when they are as polished and involving as this. Boasting handsomely true and atmospheric sound, this collection certainly merits the attention of all Sibelians and represents enticing value at bargain price." Gramophone, March 2008

Tracks:

Scenes historiques I, Op. 25
Scenes historiques II, Op. 66
Kung Kristian II (King Christian II) Suite, Op. 27