Klami: Northern Lights / Kalevala Suite / Cheremissian Fantasy

"Uuno Klami was the Finnish Ravel, his music characterized by superb craftsmanship, glittering orchestration, and melodies that sound like you might have heard them before but can't remember where. The Cheremissian Fantasy for cello and orchestra is a case in point, saturated with the folk music of far-off Cheremissia (or wherever). It doesn't matter, either there, or in the Kalevala Suite, the closest thing that Klami has to a popular international hit. Northern Lights will be new to most collectors. It's an 18-minute symphonic poem that more than lives up to its title: alternately atmospheric and brilliant, it rises to an imposing climax that reveals Klami's gifts as an orchestrator to excellent effect.

While both the Fantasy and the Kalevala Suite have been recorded previously this new release is outstanding in every way. The Helsinki Philharmonic knows this music as well as anyone, and in any event is a first-class ensemble no matter what the repertoire. John Storgards leads vibrant interpretations, with Samuli Peltonen an impressive cello soloist. The sonics are superbly lifelike, with plenty of detail and a wide dynamic range. Highly recommended."
(10 / 10 ClassicsToday Feb 2010)

This new recording pays tribute to Uuno Klami (1900-1961) - one of the most successful and cosmopolitan Finnish composers; his popularity in Finland equals that of Jean Sibelius and Einojuhani Rautavaara and still awaits major discovery beyond the national borders.

This CD features his monumental masterpiece Kalevala Suite for large orchestra, which became a true landmark in Finnish music history and remains his best-known work and a real orchestral showpiece.

Also featured is the orchestral fantasy Northern Lights, which Klami himself once called his best composition; this is the work's first-time recording for commercial release.

The cello concerto-like Cheremissian Fantasy has raised comparisons with Stravinsky. It features acclaimed young Finnish cellist Samuli Peltonen as soloist. hief conductor John Storgårds here leads the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, which has a long history of collaborating with Klami and of performing his works.