Critical acclaim

Kullervo, a character from the Finnish mythological poem and book known as the Kalevala was set to music very early in Sibelius's career. The Kalevala canbe thought of as analogous to Homer's Illiad. The interesting story line is set out in the accompanying booklet and if you are as curious (as I was) as to who Kullervo really was, mythically speaking, it is worth doing a little research which will increase your enjoyment of this music even more. It was the composer's wish in 1893 that this five-movement work not be performed until after his death. My reference performance for this has always been the famous Berglung/Bourneouth Symphony Orchestra collaboration on EMI, but Ondine has given us a truly exceptional disc containing superlative performance by all parties.Isokoski, the soprano, has a wonderful full bodied voice and is an ideal partner to Hakala, the baritone and as I have found in the past, Leif Segerstam is the ideal conductor for the music of Sibelius. This near 80 minute outing is most enjoyable and for those of you who may be afraid to explore vocal/choral music, might I suggest this music as it is very accessible and involving. Spend a bit of time reading the liner notes to understand the storyline and you will be richly rewarded with a disc that you will return to often. Sound quality is of demonstration level and the recording enjoys a large, spacious acoustic. While the CD layer fulfills, the richer DSD layer is better still. This is an outstanding disc, both musically and sonically.