LEPO SUMERA:
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Code: BIS 1360 Price: $19.25 |
| LEPO SUMERA: Concerto for Cello and Orchestra (1998/99); Musica profana (1997); Symphony No. 6 (2000). David Geringas, cello; Estonian National Symphony Orchestra; Paavo Jarvi, conductor. In the BIS catalogue, this is the fourth disc to be dedicated to the orchestral music of Estonian composer Lepo Sumera. And with the 6th Symphony recorded on it, the complete symphonic output of this fascinating composer, who in 2000 died at the age of 50, has been documented. As on previous discs it is maestro Paavo Järvi who presents the music of his compatriot, this time conducting the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra. The Symphony (in two movements) can, to some extent, be regarded as Sumera's testament: not only is it the last music from his pen, but also possibly the most fascinating, enigmatic and tragically meditative music he ever wrote. On the present disc it is coupled with two other works from the composer's last period. In Musica Profana (1997) for string orchestra there is an elation and rhythmic energy reminiscent of baroque concertos for string instruments. At the same time Sumera's use of sequential techniques creates an almost minimalistic soundscape. The Concerto for Cello and Orchestra (1998/99) uses musical ideas from one of Sumera's student works, but employs them in the fashion of his last period. Sumera himself wrote "When writing a new work I never speculate upon its musical style. Sometimes I can't name the sources of my ideas. In case of the Cello Concerto, I am positive: this work was impelled by the solo instrument. The cello is a melodic instrument by nature, its sound can be fatefully passionate in its lower register, and delicate and sensitive in the upper one." The dedicatee of the work - and soloist on this disc - he described as the "excellent cellist and musician David Geringas whose brilliant technique and unusually rich palette of tone colors had inspired me to write for him." Previous Sumera releases have been warmly received over the years and we are happy finally to be able to tell the reviewer in American Record Guide (who has been looking forward to the next release since the May/June issue of 1997): Here it is! |
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