Sibelius experiences youthful angst
Timothy F. Ortlieb | USA | 06/20/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Kullervo is unmistakably early Sibelius. Anyone who has heard En Saga and Four Legends from the Kalevala will be familiar with the surging heroism (apparent from the beginning of the first movement), the youthful pathos, the extravagant formal ambition and the exotic touches characteristic of early Sibelius on display in this work. Structurally, it is not quite as accomplished as Sibelius' better-known works but the invention, resourcefulness and originality are most striking. No Sibelian will want to be without it, and this present recording seems hard to beat. The playing, singing and recording are excellent and whereas some versions take up more than one disc (which would seem to make it unnecessarily drawn-out), this version fits neatly onto one disc."