Toivo Kuula: Songs And Orchestral Music

World Premiere Recordings (in these versions)

Kuula: Merenkylpijäneidot, Op. 12 Susan Gritton (soprano) South Ostrobothnian Suite No. 2, Op. 20 Kesäilta Four Songs with orchestra Tuijotin tulehen kauan, Op. 2 No. 2 Susan Gritton (soprano) Karjapihass (In the Cattleyard) Purjein kuutamolla, Op. 31a No. 1 Concert Suite: Orjan Poika, Op. 14b Susan Gritton (soprano) Impi Ja Pajarin Poika, Op. 18 Prelude and Fugue, Op. 10

Recorded at Air Studios, Hampstead, London, 24-26 January 2011 This remarkable programme presents songs and orchestral music by Finnish composer Toivo Kuula (1883-1918), a pupil of Sibelius who died young. Best-known for his songs and choral music, Kuula’s arresting orchestral music draws heavily on folk legends and Ostrobothnian folksong and constitutes some of the most striking Finnish music of its time. Renowed soprano Susan Gritton and the BBC Concert Orchestra under the inspired baton of Martyn Brabbins give spellbinding accounts of this gloriously colourful repertoire. Full song text in booklet (both original Finnish and an English translation)