Rouvali unearths sibelius’s fire: a bold pairing of bahari and legends
Santtu-Matias Rouvali’s ongoing exploration of Jean Sibelius’s oeuvre reached a captivating new peak this weekend, pairing the fiery violin concerto by Ava Bahari with the composer’s reimagined Lemminkäinen Suite.
A silvered blaze and ancient echoes
Bahari’s concerto is a revelation – a concentrated shot of Scandinavian intensity. Every phrase feels deliberately sculpted, brimming with an unnerving musical intent. The opening Allegro moderato unfolds like a shimmering cascade, supported by the Gothenburg Symphony’s remarkably delicate textures. Yet, beneath the surface, a palpable weight and a carefully considered darkness simmer, rising to meet the demands of the score’s more demanding passages.
The slow movement offers a necessary respite, a lyrical haven conducted with quiet grace. But Rouvali and the soloist swiftly regain momentum, injecting a playful, almost mischievous energy into the exuberant finale. It’s a testament to the work’s inherent vitality.
Unearthing the legends
Sibelius’s Four Legends of Lemminkäinen, premiered in 1896 and subsequently revised twice, are brought to life with Rouvali’s characteristic dramatic flair. This performance reveals insightful connections to Sibelius’s later, more ambitious symphonies – a glimpse of the composer’s evolving artistic trajectory.
The suite itself is a vibrant tapestry, overflowing with incident and culminating in a sequence of intensely sensual climaxes. Orchestral solos stand out prominently; the cor anglais, for example, delivers a particularly foreboding rendition of the Swan of Tuonela, filled with an unsettling, almost palpable menace. Intriguing hints of folk Music occasionally peek through the classical veneer, adding a layer of unexpected depth.
The suite’s depiction of Lemminkäinen in Tuonela is a masterclass in sustained tension, spanning a spine-tingling 17 minutes. In stark contrast, his triumphant return is a swashbuckling spectacle. Apple Music (link above) and Spotify (link above) offer immediate access to this compelling performance.