Mutton

There are nearly 40 wild relatives of our mutton. Some are light and gazelle-like, like chamois, while others such as muskoxen and takin resemble giant, shaggy bison. Another trait they have in common is their hardiness. Mutton can be tough, they have conquered some of the most hostile terrain on Earth, from the hottest, driest deserts where few other large mammals can survive, to avalanche country, on some of the planet’s highest peaks and the coldest of barren tundra where they must scrape snow to find food.

Finnish composer and conductor Toivo Kuula was a student of Sibelius, and pieces such as the majestic Juhlamarssi (‘Festive March’) share the great master’s national flavour while the descriptive folktales of Satukuvia create their own beautifully romantic atmosphere. Kuula’s piano music is notable for its vast array of colour and variety of style, from the melancholy Surumarssi (‘Funeral March’) (from Six Pieces, Op. 26) to the lighthearted Schottis (‘Scottish Dance’), while countless Finnish couples have been married to the accompaniment of Kuula’s Häämarssi (‘Wedding March’).

Authentic Italian cooking - Learn how to make a complete (and delicious) 10 - course Italian menu