Search - Melartin, Grin, Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra :: Melartin: Symphonies 2 & 4

Simply must be heard!

fcole@webtv.net | Berwick, PA | 01/17/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Erkki Melartin (1875-1937) is not exacly a household name amongst composers. And yet, on the basis of his six symphonies (and especially the 4th which is hismost accessible) I would venture to say that he has been unjustly forgotte. Even Groves only gives him 15 lines and gives only a selective list of his works - a sure indication that poor Melartin hasn't made it. He as an exact conemporary of Ravel and ten years younger than his Finnish compatriot, Sibelius. There's nodoubt that Melartin has been totally eclipsed by Sibelius - VERY unfairly, I would add. But it wasn't always so - the first night audience of his 4th erupted into spontaneous cheers and applause after the slow movement (they hated Sibelius' 4th debuted 2 years earlier) and one can see why. It is a glorious evocation of summer, sung in a wordless melody by three soprani (!) - an absolutely knockout tune that has GOT to be heard. If you know Nielsen's 3rd symphony, he did something similar with one soprano, but Melartin has been beat my a mile with his melody. Actually every one of the 4 movements of this 'Summer" symphony are standouts - gloriously tuneful. You will wonder, as I did, why Melartin has been forgotten - and then want more. On the basis of this CD, I bought the other two CDs which feature his remaining 4 symphonies - they are all melodic, lushly romantic - Mahleresque, actually. So be the first one on your block to hear someone new and exciting - the fabulous Finn - MELARTIN. You won't regret the $15 spent, I can almost guarantee it."