"Hindemith / Sallinen / Merikanto" is a captivating classical album featuring the extraordinary soprano vocals of Karita Mattila, released in 1988 under Fazer Records/Finlandia. This album is a beautiful blend of requiem, classical, opera, and choral genres, showcasing the profound and evocative compositions of Hindemith, Sallinen, and Merikanto.
The album opens with Paul Hindemith's "Das Marienleben" (The Life of Mary), a six-part cycle that narrates the life of Mary, from the birth of Mary to her death. Each movement is a masterful exploration of the human experience, with Mattila's voice bringing depth and nuance to each story. The second half of the album presents Aulis Sallinen's "Neljä laulua unesta" (Four Dream Songs), a set of four songs that delve into the surreal and dreamlike, with Mattila's voice guiding the listener through these ethereal landscapes. The album concludes with Aarre Merikanto's "Genesis," a powerful and dramatic piece that leaves a lasting impression.
With a duration of just over 55 minutes, this album is a testament to Karita Mattila's exceptional artistry and the timeless beauty of these classical compositions. Whether you're a longtime fan of classical music or a newcomer looking to explore the genre, "Hindemith / Sallinen / Merikanto" is an album that promises to captivate and inspire.
Hindemith : Das Marienleben Op.27 [The Life of Mary] : I Geburt Mariä [Birth of Mary]Paul Hindemith, Karita Mattila, Ulf Söderblom, Lahti Symphony Orchestra
Hindemith : Das Marienleben Op.27 [The Life of Mary] : II Argwohn Josephs [Joseph's suspicion]Paul Hindemith, Karita Mattila, Ulf Söderblom, Lahti Symphony Orchestra
Hindemith : Das Marienleben Op.27 [The Life of Mary]: III Geburt Christi [Birth of Christ]Paul Hindemith, Karita Mattila, Ulf Söderblom, Lahti Symphony Orchestra
Hindemith : Das Marienleben Op.27 [The Life of Mary] : IV Rast auf der Flucht in Ägypten [Rest on the flight into Egypt]Paul Hindemith, Karita Mattila, Ulf Söderblom, Lahti Symphony Orchestra
Hindemith : Das Marienleben Op.27 [The Life of Mary] : V Vor der Passion [Before the passion]Paul Hindemith, Karita Mattila, Ulf Söderblom, Lahti Symphony Orchestra
Hindemith : Das Marienleben Op.27 [The Life of Mary] : VI Vom Tode Mariä [On the death of Mary III]Paul Hindemith, Karita Mattila, Ulf Söderblom, Lahti Symphony Orchestra
Sallinen : Neljä laulua unesta, Op. 30: I. Unesta tehty mies (Four Dream Songs, Op. 30: I. Man Made from Sleep)Aulis Sallinen, Karita Mattila, Ulf Söderblom, Lahti Symphony Orchestra
Sallinen : Neljä laulua unesta [Four Dream Songs] : II Kehtolaulu kuolleelle ratsumiehelle [Cradle song for a dead horseman]Aulis Sallinen, Karita Mattila, Ulf Söderblom, Lahti Symphony Orchestra
Sallinen : Neljä laulua unesta, Op. 30: III. On kolme unta sisäkkäin (Four Dream Songs, Op. 30: III. Three Dreams Each Within Each)Aulis Sallinen, Karita Mattila, Ulf Söderblom, Lahti Symphony Orchestra
Sallinen : Neljä laulua unesta [Four Dream Songs] : IV Ei mikään virta [There is no stream]Aulis Sallinen, Karita Mattila, Ulf Söderblom, Lahti Symphony Orchestra