Tonight at the Barbican, Sakari Oramo conducts Sibelius 3 and Luonottar with the BBC SO. This should be very interesting indeed, as the soloist is Anu Komsi, one of the Komsi twins,well known specialists in unusual and modern repertoire. Each of them has phenomenal range. Although one doesn't need to speak Finnish to sing Luonottar, it probably helps, as it's extremely difficult to sing. Even those who can negotiate its challenges need to connect to its cosmology. This is the primeval creation myth from the Kalevala. It's also seminal in Sibelius's development as composer. If you can't make it to the Barbican, it's being broadcast live and on demand on BBC Radio 3. Please also read my article on Luonnotar analysing its form and meaning. Video clip included!
For background, listen to this week's series about Finnish Composers before and after Sibelius, as it's quite well researched. Explains a bit why Finland has more musicians per capita than most anywhere else in the world. 700 operas at last count years ago. It also puts modern Finnish composers and conductors into perspective. Of the present generation, Sakari Oramo, Esa Pekka Salonen, the Komsi twins, Magnus Lindberg, Kaija Saariaho all closely networked.
For background, listen to this week's series about Finnish Composers before and after Sibelius, as it's quite well researched. Explains a bit why Finland has more musicians per capita than most anywhere else in the world. 700 operas at last count years ago. It also puts modern Finnish composers and conductors into perspective. Of the present generation, Sakari Oramo, Esa Pekka Salonen, the Komsi twins, Magnus Lindberg, Kaija Saariaho all closely networked.
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