Madetoja: Ostrobothnians suite Op52; Symphony No3

On this CD:

1. Comedy Overture for orchestra, Op 53
Composed by Leevi Madetoja
Performed by Iceland Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Petri Sakari

2. Symphony No. 3 in A major, Op 55
Composed by Leevi Madetoja
Performed by Iceland Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Petri Sakari

3. Okon Fuoko, ballet, Op 58: Suite No 1
Composed by Leevi Madetoja
Performed by Iceland Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Petri Sakari

4. The Ostrobothnians suite, Op 52
Composed by Leevi Madetoja
Performed by Iceland Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Petri Sakari

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Leevi Madetoja's Third Symphony is the composer's orchestral masterpiece. Composed in the mid-1920s, it is the only Finnish symphony of the period that really gives Jean Sibelius a run for his money. Start with the third movement--it sounds almost like Copland's Western music--then go back and play the whole thing. It's a wonderful, intimate piece. The Overture and the two suites are lighter works, obviously, but no less enjoyable for that. Madetoja had a genuine dramatic gift that made him a fine opera and ballet composer, and these suites will certainly whet your appetite for the complete works. The performances are very good and well recorded, too. --David Hurwitz

Amazon.com
Madetoja (1887-1947) is one of Finland's greatest composers of the generation after Sibelius, and Chandos should be given a medal for giving his work currency (especially in such intimate and warm recordings). Madetoja's themes are quite original and also quite memorable, as in the pleasant Huvinäytelmäalkusoitto (Comedy Overture) of 1923. The clear masterpiece here is Symphony 3 (1926), a work of broad nostalgic character, luminous and well-proportioned--almost classical in its... read more

Madetoja: Ostrobothnians suite Op52; Symphony No3

Tracks:

Huvinaytelmaalkusoitto (Comedy Ov) Op.53: Andante-Lentando-Allegro
Sym No.3 in A, Op.55: I. Andantino
Sym No.3 in A, Op.55: II. Adagio
Sym No.3 in A, Op.55: III. Allegro Non Troppo
Sym No.3 in A, Op.55: IV. Pesante, Tempo Moderato-Allegretto
Okon Fuoko: Ste No.1, Op.58: Okon Fuoko, The Dream Magician: Andante
Okon Fuoko: Ste No.1, Op.58: Entrance Of The Guests: Lento (Non Troppo)
Okon Fuoko: Ste No.1, Op.58: The Dance Of The Dolls: Allegro
Okon Fuoko: Ste No.1, Op.58: Man's Dance: Allegro Sostenuto-Allegro
Okon Fuoko: Ste No.1, Op.58: Woman's Dance: Poco Lento-Piu Lento
Okon Fuoko: Ste No.1, Op.58: Danse Grotesque: Allegretto
The Ostrobothnians: Ste, Op.52: I. Lakeus: The Plains: Andantino-Piu Lento
The Ostrobothnians: Ste, Op.52: II. Vangin Laulu: Song Of The Prisoner: Lento Maestoso
The Ostrobothnians: Ste, Op.52: III. Hajyt: The Ruffians: Allegro Moderato, Rubato-Allegro Vivace
The Ostrobothnians: Ste, Op.52: IV. Tulopeli: Entrance Music: Tempo Di Marcia
The Ostrobothnians: Ste, Op.52: V. Hypyt: Leaps And Jumps: Moderato Mosso

Amazon.com

Leevi Madetoja's Third Symphony is the composer's orchestral masterpiece. Composed in the mid-1920s, it is the only Finnish symphony of the period that really gives Jean Sibelius a run for his money. Start with the third movement--it sounds almost like Copland's Western music--then go back and play the whole thing. It's a wonderful, intimate piece. The Overture and the two suites are lighter works, obviously, but no less enjoyable for that. Madetoja had a genuine dramatic gift that made him a fine opera and ballet composer, and these suites will certainly whet your appetite for the complete works. The performances are very good and well recorded, too. --David Hurwitz

Amazon.com

Madetoja (1887-1947) is one of Finland's greatest composers of the generation after Sibelius, and Chandos should be given a medal for giving his work currency (especially in such intimate and warm recordings). Madetoja's themes are quite original and also quite memorable, as in the pleasant Huvinäytelmäalkusoitto (Comedy Overture) of 1923. The clear masterpiece here is Symphony 3 (1926), a work of broad nostalgic character, luminous and well-proportioned--almost classical in its design. He also wrote Okon Fuoko: Suite 1 in the same year as the first symphony. It's all that remains of a failed stage performance. The Ostrobothnians Suite (1923) will also delight. --Paul Cook

Customer Reviews:

Commitment.......2002-01-14

In a country of not more then 250,000 people Petri Sakari have done a grand job of presenting the music of one of Finlands finest composers. Madetoja was overshadowed by Jean Sibelius as were other Finish composers of the day. All three of his ymphonies have been recorded by the Iceland Symphony and all three are orginal masterpieces with freshness, drive beauty and originality shining through. This composer was definitely his own man and his music shows it. Of courser Chandos is incomparable in most cases so the recording quality is superb as well. This Orchestra and conductor deserve to be recorded more often They are first class and more then worthy ot be heard. They show total commitment to the talk of presenting this symphony as well as the composers first two. They are well worth investing in.

George Crossley

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