I haven't heard this piece in maybe 50 years. My mother used to play it when I was a child, but I never knew the name, nor the composer. And now I'm sitting here listening to it again, with tears running down my face. It has such beauty. All that time ago...
I applaud your "re-discovery" of this little beauty. I play it now, regularly. I've re-discovered Sibelius' gorgeous music in recent years (I'm 77 y.o.). I've always liked Finlandia, which I first heard in the mid-50s. Nowadays, I'm addicted to his Symphony No. 2. This, too, is just beautiful!
A wonderful performance by the cor anglais player. Very difficult to play, she controls her breathing superbly. No raucous overblowing. beautiful tone.
Someone always complains about how Salonen LOOKS when he conducts but the music SOUNDS good.Some of the best concerts I’ve attended in recent years have been with h
This was one of the earliest of my introductions to classical music. Fifty years on it's still a favourite, and when I saw it was played by a Finnish orchestra the temptation to hear it yet again was irresistible. It's one of those pieces -rather like the French Impressionists and English Late Romantics - which switches your consciousness into a different dimension and makes melancholy something to be treasured. And what of the cor anglais player? The looks of Helen of Troy and the lungs of Hercules. Some combination!
Sibelius being atmospheric, almost a colorist, but with very subtle and not to say simple (not in a devaluating sense, though) means. Divided strings, sparse orchestration, gran cassa - and the soulful cor anglais almost hovering above it all. In the phi-point (5:30) the swan of the river of death (Tuonelan joki, Tuonela river) rises and shakes its wings, cries out - and gets an echo from the living side of the river. For me the string pizzicati symbolizes the passing of time, while the "sorrow march" towards the end (6:06) is perhaps a hymn for the deceased.
Anyone who read(s) the book - The afterlife of Billi Fingers will understand this is a divine music coming from heaven,even Sibelius himself told he was inspired by some divine cosmic energy to compose this music,hear it closing eyes and focus only on the music coming out,it’s truly a divine experience,,soul soothing 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
I don't like the inconvenience of attending performances, so I enjoy them on TH-cam and I'm always amazed at the different styles of conducting. I heard a conductor of a major orchestra speak a year ago who said it's daunting one is leading a hundred experts. It is interesting to see how much variation there is in the physical motion of the conductor some wave wildly others very little.
I agree with the original poster. His movements are wild and erratic: his downbeats are often unclear. This might explain why none of the musicians seems to look at him. However, I believe the NY Philarmonic wanted him badly as their next conductor. Maybe its his hair.
@@fflambeauutube Dear Ronnie, this recording dates from 1992, perhaps Esa-Pekka Salonen , my country man by the way, has developed his skills to the extent extent, that even NY Philharmonic can follow his beat. His hair nowadays has quite a grey shade.
I haven't heard this piece in maybe 50 years. My mother used to play it when I was a child, but I never knew the name, nor the composer. And now I'm sitting here listening to it again, with tears running down my face. It has such beauty.
All that time ago...
I applaud your "re-discovery" of this little beauty. I play it now, regularly. I've re-discovered Sibelius' gorgeous music in recent years (I'm 77 y.o.). I've always liked Finlandia, which I first heard in the mid-50s. Nowadays, I'm addicted to his Symphony No. 2. This, too, is just beautiful!
This piece is very memorable, even if you don't know what is it that you are listening.
I love this rendition. The soloist is in no hurry to rush to the next note, just like the swan floating languidly through Tuonela.
A wonderful performance by the cor anglais player. Very difficult to play, she controls her breathing superbly. No raucous overblowing. beautiful tone.
Also an eloquently beautiful lady.
I discovered this piece purely because of the cor anglais
Someone always complains about how Salonen LOOKS when he conducts but the music SOUNDS good.Some of the best concerts I’ve attended in recent years have been with h
why would anyone complain how he looks?
this guy good looking as fuck no homo
Congratulations to Sanna Niemikunnas for a great performance of this most inspired piece of music
This was one of the earliest of my introductions to classical music. Fifty years on it's still a favourite, and when I saw it was played by a Finnish orchestra the temptation to hear it yet again was irresistible. It's one of those pieces -rather like the French Impressionists and English Late Romantics - which switches your consciousness into a different dimension and makes melancholy something to be treasured. And what of the cor anglais player? The looks of Helen of Troy and the lungs of Hercules. Some combination!
The most beautiful piece of music ive ever hesrd
Sanna Niemikunnas, English horn , should definitely be listed in the credits. Superb musician!
Not understandable how the name of the soloist isn't listed.. I was wondering who she might be.. thanks for the answer!
Everything in The Swan of Tuonela stands of the brilliant beutifull english horn,played by a young lady. What is her name?
One of the best renditions ever. The cor anglais part is simply marvelous. BRAVA!
Sibelius being atmospheric, almost a colorist, but with very subtle and not to say simple (not in a devaluating sense, though) means. Divided strings, sparse orchestration, gran cassa - and the soulful cor anglais almost hovering above it all.
In the phi-point (5:30) the swan of the river of death (Tuonelan joki, Tuonela river) rises and shakes its wings, cries out - and gets an echo from the living side of the river. For me the string pizzicati symbolizes the passing of time, while the "sorrow march" towards the end (6:06) is perhaps a hymn for the deceased.
wow! Spot on performance - wonderful orchestra and Salonen's conducting is compelling.
Anyone who read(s) the book - The afterlife of Billi Fingers will understand this is a divine music coming from heaven,even Sibelius himself told he was inspired by some divine cosmic energy to compose this music,hear it closing eyes and focus only on the music coming out,it’s truly a divine experience,,soul soothing 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
I put The Afterlife of Billy Fingers down just 30 seconds ago. That's what led me here! 🙏😻
Yes 👏 l love this book and the music is divine
Beleza inigualável, sublime, simples e envolvente. Sibelius arranca lágrimas de pedras. É um sopro de poesia descido dos céus.
Sublime Sibelius.
Exquisite.
musica meravigliosa,atmosfera di un tempo trascorso................
Sanna Niemikunnas, cor anglais
Parfait !!! Merci beaucoup.
Beautiful
Excellent cor anglais work.
The music itself is also fantastic!
the English horn player is stunning
Great embouchure, as with all double-reeds. Exact, firm fingerings, too.
I'd let her wet my reed.
Sublime...Superb...
Exquisite!
And the excellent 'cellist should be listed in credits!
Awesome✨
Wonderful.
This is beautiful and mesmerizing, until youtube pops its money-grubbing fing ads every 45 seconds
My brother's life is sorrowful and bitter.
she is also very talented
Itapirkanmaa2 She is not Päivi Kärkäs
Her name is Sanna Niemikunnas
Oct. 28, 1949 Azores islands approx. 2:05 AM. (Listen to her play the Concerto, as well) You know who I mean.
How does anyone follow this conductor?
I don't like the inconvenience of attending performances, so I enjoy them on TH-cam and I'm always amazed at the different styles of conducting. I heard a conductor of a major orchestra speak a year ago who said it's daunting one is leading a hundred experts. It is interesting to see how much variation there is in the physical motion of the conductor some wave wildly others very little.
I agree with the original poster. His movements are wild and erratic: his downbeats are often unclear. This might explain why none of the musicians seems to look at him. However, I believe the NY Philarmonic wanted him badly as their next conductor. Maybe its his hair.
Seems that everyone in the orchestra did just fine. What's your problem?
@@fflambeauutube Dear Ronnie, this recording dates from 1992, perhaps Esa-Pekka Salonen , my country man by the way, has developed his skills to the extent extent, that even NY Philharmonic can follow his beat. His hair nowadays has quite a grey shade.
@@fflambeauutube It's fantastic hair. I resent it.