Ernst Mielck

Symphony in F minor represents national romantic phase in Finnish music. The composer accomplished this symphony in the age of 20 and was deceased by tuberculosis at the age of 22. Mielck studies composing in Berlin 1895-94 where he was influenced by Max Bruch. This work is dark in its colours, even pathetic utilizing heavy brass sections and large strings. The Concert Piece for Violin and Orchestra Op. 8 represents more calm and lighter side of the composer. John Storgårds does an exellent job in interpreting this late 19th century symphohy not underevaluating the performance of Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra conducted by Sakari Oramo.

From the middle of the nineteenth century there was a blossoming of nationalism within the creative arts – very notably in music – in Finland that reflected the political mood in the country. From an international perspective, the dominant stature of Sibelius can often overshadow the wide-ranging works of his peers – something that this album goes some way to redressing. Robert Kajanus was the leading figure in Finnish music before Sibelius became established. His Overtura sinfonica is a late work, from 1926, which epitomises his style. Armas Järnefelt was a friend and fellow student of Sibelius, and eventually became his brother-in-law.

From the middle of the nineteenth century there was a blossoming of nationalism within the creative arts – very notably in music – in Finland that reflected the political mood in the country. From an international perspective, the dominant stature of Sibelius can often overshadow the wide-ranging works of his peers – something that this album goes some way to redressing. Robert Kajanus was the leading figure in Finnish music before Sibelius became established. His Overtura sinfonica is a late work, from 1926, which epitomises his style.