Sibelius, Jean - Jedermann / In memoriam - Segerstam, Leif

Pia Pajala, soprano
Tuomas Katajala, tenor
Nicholas Söderland, bass
Mikaela Palmu, violin

Cathedralis Aboensis Choir; Turku Philharmonic Orchestra / Leif Segerstam

Rarely performed but recognized as a hidden masterpiece, Sibelius's music for Jedermann is unusual in that it closely follows the words and action of this moral play, emphasizing each character's arrogance, repentance, escape from the clutches of the Devil, and ultimate salvation. Two solemn melodies reflect Sibelius's sombre mood during the difficult years of the First World War, while In memoriam resonates with his preoccupation with death after a life-saving throat operation in 1909, and was performed at his own funeral in 1957.

This is the fourth installment in a six-part series exploring Jean Sibelius's orchestral works beyond his high-profile symphonies, violin concertos, and symphonic poems. Finnish conductor Leif Segerstam is a highly regarded interpreter of Sibelius, who received the annual State Prize for Music in 2004 and the prestigious Sibelius Medal in 2005. His recordings for the Naxos label include Tristan und Isolde (Classic FM, 8660152-54), performed with "skill and broad scope," and Wozzeck (Penguin Guide, 8660076-77), described as "deeply moving." In this fourth part, the platinum-selling and award-winning orchestra accompanies a team of world-class vocal soloists consisting of Pia Pajala, Nicholas Söderlund, and Tuomas Katajala, as well as the Cathedralis Aboensis choir, which works closely with the Turku Philharmonic Orchestra.