MIELCK, E.: Symphony in F minor / Konzertstuck in D major

Albumbeschreibung

Finnish composer Ernst Mielck was regarded in his time as having been a possible contender to the mantle of Jean Sibelius. However, such promise was stilled forever when Mielck died in 1899 at the tender age of 21. Comparisons drawn between Mielck's work to that of his contemporaries is common. Beyond Sibelius, there is mention in the notes of Mielck's course of study with Max Bruch and a suggestion that his F minor symphony may be inspired by Johannes Brahms. In its time, the work was compared to Richard Strauss' Don Quixote, and thus called "too modern." But this symphony is not just a reinvention of music written by other composers; it is a major symphonic statement on its own. The most obvious parallel in familiar literature that is tempting to draw is to Tchaikovsky. Mielck's Symphony in F minor is truly no closer to the composers in the German late-romantic mainstream than those of his Russian colleague, and this symphony easily stands on its own. Anyone who enjoys late romantic orchestral music (which would include a majority of classical music listeners) should have no reason to avoid this disc, whether or not Mielck's name rings a bell. Had he lived to hear this recording, Mielck would no doubt be floored by the excellence of this interpretation -- Sakari Oramo and the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra sound like a world-class ensemble, performing well above the standard of an average European radio orchestra. Ondine's recording quality is likewise beyond reproach. If you have concluded that the musical world has altogether exhausted the greatest orchestral works of the nineteenth century, this Ondine release will force you to reconsider your position.
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