Uploaded April 2024 | Updated September 2026, 4 days ago
Iceland Symphony Orchestra conducted by Petri Sakari
00:08 I. Okon Fuoko, unitaikuri (The Dream Magician)
03:53 II. Vieraat saapuvat (Entrance of the Guests)
04:58 III. Nukkien tanssi (Dance of the Dolls)
06:50 IV. Miehen tanssi (Man's Dance)
10:04 V. Naisen tanssi (Woman's Dance)
11:45 VI. Irvokas tanssi (Danse grotesque)
Leevi Madetoja (1887-1947) was a Finnish composer and music critic of the early 20th century, one of several contemporaries whose works were overshadowed by Madetoja's teacher Jean Sibelius. However, his music, which is increasingly being performed and recorded in the Nordic countries today, is well worth hearing. According to Wikipedia, "his idiom is notably introverted for a national Romantic composer, a blend of Finnish melancholy, folk melodies from his native region of Ostrobothnia, and the elegance and clarity of the French symphonic tradition, founded on César Franck and guided by Vincent d'Indy."
Beginning in the late Romantic tradition, Madetoja's mature works extend stylistically into the early modern period; the "Okon Fuoko" suite (1927), extracted from the namesake ballet-pantomime set in Japan, is a prime example. Each of the six movements is skilfully and subtlely orchestrated, pervaded by strong moods and lush harmonies that make for compelling listening on their own.
The score is available from Madetoja's page at IMSLP.org (not public domain in the US): imslp.org/wiki/Category:Madetoja,_Leevi .
Iceland Symphony Orchestra conducted by Petri Sakari
00:08 I. Okon Fuoko, unitaikuri (The Dream Magician)
03:53 II. Vieraat saapuvat (Entrance of the Guests)
04:58 III. Nukkien tanssi (Dance of the Dolls)
06:50 IV. Miehen tanssi (Man's Dance)
10:04 V. Naisen tanssi (Woman's Dance)
11:45 VI. Irvokas tanssi (Danse grotesque)
Leevi Madetoja (1887-1947) was a Finnish composer and music critic of the early 20th century, one of several contemporaries whose works were overshadowed by Madetoja's teacher Jean Sibelius. However, his music, which is increasingly being performed and recorded in the Nordic countries today, is well worth hearing. According to Wikipedia, "his idiom is notably introverted for a national Romantic composer, a blend of Finnish melancholy, folk melodies from his native region of Ostrobothnia, and the elegance and clarity of the French symphonic tradition, founded on César Franck and guided by Vincent d'Indy."
Beginning in the late Romantic tradition, Madetoja's mature works extend stylistically into the early modern period; the "Okon Fuoko" suite (1927), extracted from the namesake ballet-pantomime set in Japan, is a prime example. Each of the six movements is skilfully and subtlely orchestrated, pervaded by strong moods and lush harmonies that make for compelling listening on their own.
The score is available from Madetoja's page at IMSLP.org (not public domain in the US): imslp.org/wiki/Category:Madetoja,_Leevi .
