The Oulu Sinfonia's performances on this captivating SACD titled 'Overtures from Finland' demonstrates the remarkable talents of Finland's northernmost symphony orchestra. With a programme highlighting compositions from the late 19th and early 20th centuries by nine Finnish composers, this collection offers a rich exploration of the nation's musical heritage. While Jean Sibelius stands as the most recognizable name among them, this compilation sheds light on the lesser-known works that shaped the Finnish musical landscape. It's a testament to their collective skill that Sibelius, often regarded as the pinnacle of Finnish composition, actually emerged from a cohort of equally talented contemporaries.

Opening with Sibelius's 'Karelia Overture,' a piece not often heard in the concert hall compared to its more famous counterpart, the 'Karelia Suite,' the album sets a tone of stirring energy and melodic delights. The performance, led by the accomplished Rumon Gamba, the orchestra’s Chief Conductor since January 2022, who has a strong affinity with Nordic music certainly captures the celebratory style of this composition. (Wirén: Orchestral Works - Gumba) and Viðar, Ísólfsson: Icelandic Works for the Stage - Gamba)

The remainder of this programme's attraction lies in its diverse selection of composers, including Uuno Klami, Erkki Melartin, Leevi Madetoja, Ernst Mielck, Selim Palmgren and Armas Järnefelt, whose familiar 'Praeludium' of 1900 serves as a fitting finale. Each composer contributes a distinct voice to the collection, showcasing the astonishing range of Finnish music during this era.

Listeners will have their own favourites among the ten works on this disc, but two that made a particular impression on this listener were The ‘Overture sinfonica’(1926) by Robert Kajanus – perhaps better known outside Finland as a conductor and champion of Sibelius than a composer – and Ernst Mielck’s ‘Dramatische Ouvertüre’ (1898). Mielck tragically died of tuberculosis just before his 22nd birthday and Gamba’s thrilling account of this score gives us a taste of what might have been if the composer’s life had not been so cruelly curtailed.

Sonically, the SACD's quality is in the capable hands of Ingo Petry from Take 5 Music Production, with sound engineer Christian Starke ensuring the utmost fidelity. The recording venue, the Madetoja Concert Hall at the Oulu Music Centre in Finland, boasts a clean acoustic that beautifully captures the orchestra's dynamic range as well as their spirited performances.

Daniel M Grimley's meticulous liner notes provide in-depth insight into the compositions and the historical context in which they were created.

Highly recommended.

Copyright © 2023 Graham Williams and HRAudio.net

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