By hannover-web.com At the Royal Festival Hall in London, the Philharmonia’s presentation of Nordic music showcased a rich array of compositions deeply connected to the natural world. Among these, the rarely performed Kullervo by Sibelius brought the evening to a powerful close.
We caught up with music critic Erica Jeal to discuss the concert that took place on September 30, 2024. “This was the inaugural event in the Philharmonia’s Nordic Soundscapes series, and it truly embodied the spirit of Nordic music,” she said. “One standout piece was Oceans, composed by María Huld Markan Sigfúsdóttir in 2018. It starts with icy violins, slowly layering harmonies that evoke the vastness of the sea, and as the bronzes enter, you feel the depths of the water below. This piece would pair beautifully with stunning nature photography, but it’s also captivating enough on its own.”
When asked about the performance of Grieg’s Piano Concerto that followed, Jeal reflected on pianist Stephen Hough’s interpretation. “Hough turned the piano into an agent of disruption,” she explained. “He challenged the elegant lines of the orchestra, pushing against the smoothness of the muted strings in the slow movement. It was thrilling to hear. For his encore, he performed Rustles of Spring by Christian Sinding, which perfectly captured its playful and optimistic title.”
Jeal also highlighted the vision behind the concert. “The series is orchestrated by the Philharmonia’s principal conductor, Santtu-Matias Rouvali. The centerpiece of the evening was Kullervo, often sidelined even in Finland. Sibelius poured his mastery of large-scale compositions into this piece, and despite its lengthy 75 minutes, it never felt drawn out. The third movement featured the Ylioppilaskunnan Laulajat Male Voice Choir from Helsinki, who narrated the story in a way that evoked the resonance of ancient bards. The soprano Johanna Rusanen and baritone Tommi Hakala truly brought the characters of Kullervo and his sister to life.”
When asked about the concert’s conclusion, Jeal noted, “While the fourth movement felt a bit too jolly in the overall context, the fifth movement delivered a dramatic resolution that encapsulated the evening’s epic quality.”
The Philharmonia’s Nordic Soundscapes series continues until November 10, promising more engaging explorations of music inspired by nature.
