Jorma Panula

In 2007, the 50th anniversary of Sibelius’s death, BIS begins the release of a 13-volume edition of all the music that the great master ever created – from the symphonies and tone poems to chamber works and songs. As well as the published works, the edition includes rare original versions and world première recordings of works from his youth – material which to a large extent is unique to BIS. The edition – a grand total of some 65 discs – contains previously released as well as new material, in volumes of 4-6 discs sorted by genre.

Though well known throughout Europe as a contralto/mezzo-soprano of distinction, Lilli Paasikivi is too little known in this country and this CD should be heard as an introduction to her high standards of artistry. Yes, she can be heard on other recordings (Mahler's Symphony No. 3 with Zander conducting, a new recording of Sibelius' 'Kullervo', and Stravinsky's 'Mavra' among others), but this recording of the songs of Mahler's wife, Alma Mahler, places her center stage with Jorma Panula conducting the Finnish Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra in his own orchestrations of Alma Mahler's song for voice and piano.

Zdenek Fibich’s three symphonies project very different qualities: No. 1 (available on 8.572985) prizes structural integration, and No. 2 (8.573157) cyclical unity. Symphony No. 3, written only two years before his untimely death, but at the zenith of his powers as one of the Czech Lands’ leading composers, reveals Fibich’s sustained melodic and atmospheric powers as the music pursues the ‘darkness to light’ trajectory synonymous with the symphony during the 19th century. The remaining pieces, drawn from his best stage works, showcase operatic qualities that extend the dramatic lineage of Smetana. This is the final volume in this series.

Warner Classics and Erato presents Nathalie Stutzmann's album debut conducting the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra & Chorus. Beginning her studies with legendary Finnish teacher Jorma Panula, Stutzmann was later mentored by renowned conductors, Sir Simon Rattle the late Seiji Ozawa. This recording includes Dvorak's 'From the New World', becoming ingrained in the American musical landscape and the lesser known 'American Suite' which although was written around the same time is the New World symphony, was only premiered 6 years after his death.