Dive into the captivating world of Selim Palmgren, a Finnish composer who stood shoulder to shoulder with Sibelius as one of the leading Nordic composers of the early 20th century. This album, "Palmgren: April," is a testament to his mastery of the piano concerto, featuring two of his most celebrated works: the Piano Concerto No. 4, Op. 85 "April," and the Piano Concerto No. 5 in A Major, Op. 99. Each piece is a journey through Palmgren's unique compositional style, influenced by his studies under the legendary Ferruccio Busoni.
The album opens with the enchanting Piano Concerto No. 4, known as "April," a piece that showcases Palmgren's ability to evoke the spirit of the season through music. The concerto's three movements—Allegro moderato, Andante tranquillo, and Allegro vivace—are performed with exquisite precision by Janne Mertanen on piano, accompanied by the Pori Sinfonietta under the baton of Jan Söderblom.
Following this, the album presents the Piano Concerto No. 5 in A Major, Op. 99, another masterpiece that highlights Palmgren's compositional prowess. The concerto's three movements offer a rich tapestry of musical expression, from the lively Allegro moderato to the serene Andante tranquillo and the exhilarating Allegro vivace.
In addition to the concertos, the album includes the Pastorale, Op. 50, a work originally composed for piano and later orchestrated. This three-movement piece, with its evocative titles "Morning," "Élégie," and "Evening," provides a pastoral interlude that complements the concertos beautifully. The album concludes with the Exotic March, Op. 46, a lively and rhythmic piece that adds a touch of excitement to the collection.
Recorded in 2018 and released on the Alba label, "Palmgren: April" is a stunning showcase of Selim Palmgren's musical genius. With a total duration of 1 hour and 4 minutes, this album is a treasure trove for classical music enthusiasts, offering a deep dive into the works of one of Finland's most accomplished composers.
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