Paavo Berglund: Sibelius King Christian II Suite, Bournemouth Symphony

Jean Sibelius' Op. 27, Suite from the incidental music for orchestra for Kung Kristian II (King Christian II), a play written by Swedish novelist and playwrite, Adolf Paul (1863 -- 1943), a close friend of Sibelius'.

The historical play was about the early 16th century Scandinavian Christian II of Denmark, King of Sweden and Denmark for 10 years and King of Norway for 1 year, where he was known as Kristian Tyrann (Christian the Tyrant), and his love affair with a commoner, a Dutch girl.

The Suite is in 5 movements, leaving out 1 piece from the play, which was entitled the Fool's Song of the Spider.

The movements are:
I Nocturne: Molto moderato
II Elegy: Andante sostenuto
III Musette: Allegretto
IV Serenade: Moderato assai (quasi menuetto)
V Ballade: Allegro molto

The Incidental music for the play was written in 1898.

Performing is the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra led by Paavo Berglund.