This charming disc (containing newly recorded and previously issued works) begins with a suitably brooding if not spectacular Finlandia, and then proceeds from one delight to the next. Outstanding items include: Madetoja’s Elegy for Strings, Melartin’s Festive March, Rautavaara’s Fiddlers, Sallinen’s Sunrise Serenade, and two pieces (Prelude and Berceuse) by Järnefelt. The other items have less substance but plenty of tuneful and easygoing appeal. As an advertisement for the attractions of Finnish music beyond Sibelius, this collection serves an admirable purpose, particularly as all of the items are well played and recorded. As has become particularly clear over the past two decades or so, the 20th century musical legacy of Finland is every bit as rich and varied as that of any other country, and is well worth exploring. Here’s a fine place to start if you’re curious but like to keep things on the light side.
