Both these works are huge: the Große Fuge in its grand audacity, and Kullervo—a character from the Kalevala, a harrowing tale from Finnish folklore—in its epic scope and brazen audacity. Both were also neglected in their time, the Beethoven because it was thought to be too difficult, and Kullervo because Sibelius himself withdrew it. Only now do they flourish, with Kullervo recognized as Finland’s great musical epic.
Pre-concert talk starts at 7:00 PM in Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage with Glenda Dawn Goss, Sibelius Academy, Helsinki.
Minnesota Orchestra
Osmo Vänskä, Music Director and Conductor
Päivi Nisula, Soprano
Hannu Niemelä, Baritone
YL Male Voice Choir
Matti Hyökki, Chorus Master
BEETHOVEN
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Große Fuge, Op. 133 (arr. Michael Steinberg)
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SIBELIUS
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Kullervo, Op. 7
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