Sibelius: Lunnotar, Op. 70 & Other Orchestral Works
7/2/2021, 15 Tracks, 1:12:50
Featuring
Lise Davidsen
Edward Gardner
Bergen Filharmoniske Orkester
Jean Sibelius
Did you know?
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Composer Biography
Jean Sibelius, the composer of the works on this album, considered himself a "tone painter and poet," believing Franz Liszt's idea of music was closest to his own.
Recording & Production
This album was recorded using 24-bit / 96 kHz technology, which offers a dynamic range up to 48 dB greater and 256 times the resolution of standard 16-bit recordings.
Performer Biography
The Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, featured on this recording, is one of the world's oldest orchestras, dating back to 1765, and Edvard Grieg served as its artistic director from 1880–82.
Cultural Impact
The majestic first movement of Sibelius's 'Pelléas och Mélisande' Suite, 'Vid slottsporten' (At the Castle Gate), is well-known as the signature music for the BBC science/astronomy program 'The Sky at Night'.
Composition History
Sibelius's 'Luonnotar' was commissioned by Aino Ackté, a Finnish prima donna from the Paris Opéra and Covent Garden, who also gave its premiere.
Compositional Technique
In 'Tapiola', Sibelius's last masterpiece, a single thematic germ in B minor is constantly varied through different instrumental combinations, orchestral colors, harmonies, and rhythms.
Composition History
Sibelius's incidental music for Maurice Maeterlinck's play 'Pelléas och Mélisande' was written for a Swedish translation of the play by his friend, the poet Bertel Gripenberg.
