Osmo Vänskä: Sibelius Kullervo Op. 7, Sinfonia Lahti

Painting by Akseli Gallen-Kallela, depicting a scene from Kalevala, a Finnish epic poem. See also the page at the Finnish National Gallery website. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Sibelius Kullervo Op. 7,

Mezzo-soprano: Lilli Paasikivi
Baritone: Raimo Laukka
Chorus-master: Matti Hyökki
Conductor: Osmo Vänskä
Sinfonia Lahti
YL Male Voice Choir

Kullervo is an early tone poem of symphonic proportions by Finnish composer Jean Sibelius (1865-1957), scored for large orchestra, male choir, mezzo-soprano and baritone. The work deals with the tragic legend of Kullervo, setting portions of the text of the Kalevala, the national epic of Finland. According to the legend, Kullervo is the son of Kalervo and Untamala, the last surviving member of her clan. His uncle Untamo feuded with Kalervo and exterminated the entire clan, save for Untamala. As an infant, Kullervo is heard muttering threats of vengeance against Untamo, so his uncle tries to kill him. Kullervo only survives by virtue of his innate magical powers.

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English: Statue Kullervo puhuu miekalleen in Helsinki by Carl Eneas Sjöstrand Suomi: Carl Eneas Sjöstrandin Kullervo puhuu miekalleen -patsas Helsingissä (Photo credit: Wikipedia)