This is the second and last volume in BIS’ series of the apprentice compositions of Jean Sibelius for violin and piano, which date from 1884 to 1892. The works in both volumes come from a series of manuscripts donated by Sibelius’ family in 1982 to the Helsinki University library. The first disc contained the works for violin and piano that were supplied with opus numbers; this disc contains those works that were unnumbered, several of which exist only as fragments. Most are waltzes, mazurkas, and minuets in the style of the day, though the Suite in E major (of 1888) seems a bit more mature than the other student pieces on this disc. At the same time it should be mentioned that none of these youthful works suggests the stark Finnish landscape, or even the folk history of Finland, that would infuse Sibelius’ music in the years to come.
These pieces are actually showcases for the violin, the composer’s instrument of choice. Sibelius had hoped to make a career as a violinist, but in their brilliant violin/piano interactions these early practice compositions reveal more of the composer-to-come than the wannabe virtuoso. Many of these works, such as the Sonata in F major, hint at some of the deft coloration that will appear in the later Violin Concerto. It’s quite delightful. The soloists, violinist Jaakko Kuusisto and pianist Folke Gräsbeck, display consummate expertise as partners as well as in their individual expressions. The sound quality is quite good, particularly the miking on the piano. The only caveat here is that, while the music is pleasant, it will probably only appeal to the Sibelius completist. If you’re one of those, then both volumes of this music should be in your library.
