Sibelius completists will appreciate the chance to hear two “world premiere” recordings of cantatas written for celebratory events in Finland in 1894 and 1896. The first, a two-movement, 24-minute work for choir, soprano and baritone soloists, and orchestra, surely roused its audience of graduating students at the University of Helsinki in 1894 with its grand and bold style, opulent orchestral writing, and full-bodied choral and solo vocal declamations. More than a century later, it sounds overblown and overtly mannered–in the familiar style of German late-Romantic ceremonial works that the 29-year-old composer must have heard and perhaps consciously imitated. (The symphonies and the majority of Sibelius’ finest tone poems would not begin to appear for several more years.)
The other cantata, the so-called Coronation Cantata, is most interesting for its provenance as a tribute to the Grand Duke of Finland, Nicholas II. Behind its outward reverence for the Russian ruler are words of inspiration for Finns hopeful of freedom from long years of Russian oppression. The choral writing, which has moments of finely honed Brahmsian eloquence, is well-integrated into a prominent, very active, and colorful orchestral accompaniment. You’re rewarded for your listening (as in the first cantata) with a really smashing ending. Still, the whole thing is firmly grounded in its time and occasion–a welcome and fascinating curiosity in the Sibelius oeuvre, but not really great music. The program is filled with three orchestral pieces–Sibelius’ most famous work, Finlandia (1899), and two much later, much shorter, and very attractive occasional pieces. This is an impressive and noble effort on all counts, from the superb performances (the Finlandia is terrific) to the open, clear, detailed sound. Total Sibelius fans will want this. Others just looking for a fine Finlandia should check out Jarvi on BIS or DG.
