Erkki Melartin

[R Gifford]

Thanks to Maestrob for calling my attention to the Ondine disc of Erkki Melartin orchestral music (New Discs Added 2/6/17). I also second his recommendation of the set of Melartin's six symphonies, also on Ondine (4/4/17). These works have been enjoyed by me for a number of years, particularly the Fourth Symphony, not least for the vocalise for three female singers in the andante movement. This takes me back to my teenage years when I first heard Nielsen's Third. Once the voices entered I was spellbound. I'd never heard anything like it The Alfven Fourth also uses wordless voices very effectively. The Vaughan Williams Sinfonia Antarctica is also a favorite. At any rate, anyone who likes wordless singing is sure to like Melartin's Fourth. The other symphonies are likable examples of early twentieth century Finnish music.

[jserraglio]

Thanks for the recommendations.
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[lennygoran]

Got into this thread late-I see he did an opera Aino. Regards, Len

"Aino is an opera by Erkki Melartin, composed in 1912 to a libretto by Jalmari Finne. The opera is based on the Kalevala, more specifically on the character of Aino. Its music shows the influence of Richard Wagner."

[R Gifford]

Until I received jserraglio's reply to my Melartin post I thought there were only three ways to hear new (to me) works: 1. Borrow a copy from a friend (very limited in my case). 2. Find a library copy (surprisingly successful quite often). 3. Buy the recording (often expensive. The Melartin symphony set can be had on Amazon for $25.00). The UTube link provided by jserraglio has changed all that. Not only can I hear a complete performance of the Melartin Fourth but I can listen to what seems to be Melartin's complete output. I would love to hear Aino, his opera. In my defense, I've stayed away from UTube because listening on my tiny computer speakers doesn't begin to compare to my very good listening system and I have a large collection of LP's and CD's (so much to hear and not enough time). Another confession: Until recently I thought the only way to view new posts on "recently acquired discs" was to wade through page one forward until reaching the latest post. I never made it to the end. That's why it took me so long to reply to maetrob's Melartin post! Joining CMG has provided me with new, and worthwhile, ways to listen to music.

[jserraglio]

Got into this thread late-I see he did an opera Aino.

Thanks. I plan to check this one out.

[maestrob]

Until I received jserraglio's reply to my Melartin post I thought there were only three ways to hear new (to me) works: 1. Borrow a copy from a friend (very limited in my case). 2. Find a library copy (surprisingly successful quite often). 3. Buy the recording (often expensive. The Melartin symphony set can be had on Amazon for $25.00). The UTube link provided by jserraglio has changed all that. Not only can I hear a complete performance of the Melartin Fourth but I can listen to what seems to be Melartin's complete output. I would love to hear Aino, his opera. In my defense, I've stayed away from UTube because listening on my tiny computer speakers doesn't begin to compare to my very good listening system and I have a large collection of LP's and CD's (so much to hear and not enough time). Another confession: Until recently I thought the only way to view new posts on "recently acquired discs" was to wade through page one forward until reaching the latest post. I never made it to the end. That's why it took me so long to reply to maetrob's Melartin post! Joining CMG has provided me with new, and worthwhile, ways to listen to music.

......And welcome to our gathering! Youtube is a treasure-trove of delightful rarities, and of course to see the most recent posts one need merely click on the link on the upper right corner for new posts.

As for listening to recordings on your computer, might I suggest a set of headphones? Great sound can be heard for a fraction of the cost of new speakers.

[Donaldopato]

Don - INDEED, welcome back and hope you stick around. A vibrant contributor to CMG, we look forward to your posts.

ALSO A WARM WELCOME TO DR. GIFFORD! Glad you finally made here and hope you enjoy your visits and contribute regularly!

Lance

Returning to CMG after many a year to say the Melartin Symphonies are great treasures to
explore, especially # 3 & 5. I first heard these slightly Mahler-esque nature symphonies
several years ago and felt they are well crafted and less dark and quirky than Sibelius. Need to listen to them again!

Hello all that remember me!
Don

[maestrob]

Hello, Don, and welcome back! Hope you've been lurking for a while and that you are well.

As for Melartin, III & V have not yet found their way onto my shelves: what recordings do you recommend?

[Donaldopato]

Only ones I know are the Leonid Grin/Tampere Philharmonic on Ondine that have been
referenced above.

And yes, I have been an occasional lurker!