Helsinki PO, John Storgaards - Rautavaara: Modificata, Towards The Horizon & Incantations (2012/2016) [DSD64 + Hi-Res FLAC]

Einojuhani Rautavaara is recognized as one of the most notable Finnish composers after Jean Sibelius. This recording features the latest concerto works with an orchestral piece from his early Modernist period. The virtuoso Percussion Concerto Incantations features the Scottish percussion soloist Colin Currie, who is the dedicatee and première performer of this work. Currie wrote himself the virtuoso cadenza to the final movement. Rautavaara's Second Cello Concerto Towards the Horizon was written for cellist Truls Mørk and plays continuously in one 20-minute movement. Reviewing the premiere the Star Tribune noted that the composer “acknowledges a ‘taste for eternity’ and a vain of mysticsm runs through his work”.

Rautavaara’s late works continue to reveal the hand of a master with a completely assured technique and a serenely confident personal style. Towards the Horizon, his Cello Concerto No. 2, is an introspective, poetic work cast in large-scale variation form. Like so many modern concertos, its quiet ending may limit its chances of becoming popular in concert, but the quality of the music is never in doubt and the melodic material is truly memorable. To his credit, Rautavaara apportions the majority of the solo writing to vibraphone and marimba, with contrasting episodes given to untuned percussion. The result, effectively varied timbrally, works very well; even the concluding cadenza fits logically into its place in the finale, and does not outstay its welcome. Time will tell if “the percussion concerto problem,” if you accept that there is one, has been solved definitively. Either way, this is a very enjoyable listen.

Modificata belongs to Rautavaara’s early, twelve-tone period (the late 1950s)…they are as characterful or successful as his later works. …Rautavaara fashions distinctive melodic material for each of the piece’s three movements—the quick finale is particularly exciting and successful. …the performances are excellent…the Helsinki Philharmonic under John Storgards does its usual fine job. So, for that matter, do Ondine’s engineers. Very recommendable.

Tracklist:

01 - Cello Concerto No. 2 “Towards the Horizon” (2008–09): I. Theme -
02 - Cello Concerto No. 2 “Towards the Horizon” (2008–09): II. Variations of the theme -
03 - Cello Concerto No. 2 “Towards the Horizon” (2008–09): III. Finale
04 - Modificata (1957/2003): I. Prævariata
05 - Modificata (1957/2003): II. Meditatio
06 - Modificata (1957/2003): III. Affectio
07 - Percussion Concerto “Incantations” (2008): I. Pesante
08 - Percussion Concerto “Incantations” (2008): II. Espressivo
09 - Percussion Concerto “Incantations” (2008): III. Animato (cadenza by C. Currie)

Produced by Seppo Siirala. Engineered by Enno Mäemets.
Recorded in DXD (Digital eXtreme Definition) at Helsinki, Finlandia Hall, January 15, 2011 (Incantations) & Music Centre, August 10-12, 2011.
2xHD Mastering: René Laflamme. 2xHD Executive Producer: André Perry.

Musicians:
Truls Mørk - cello on "1-3"
Colin Currie - percussion on "7-9"
Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra - Conducted by John Storgårds


Thanks to the Original customer!