Rouvali ignites gothenburg with sibelius and bahari’s bold visions
Swedish violinist Santtu-Matias Rouvali continues his captivating exploration of Sibelius’s legacy with a program featuring Ava Bahari’s searing Violin Concerto alongside the composer’s seminal Lemminkäinen Suite.
A silvered resonance and a tempestuous echo
Bahari’s concerto, a strikingly modern work, immediately establishes a dialogue—a silvery, almost ethereal texture underpinned by Rouvali’s impeccable technique. The opening Allegro moderato isn’t simply polished; it’s a carefully constructed argument, supported by the Gothenburg Symphony’s gossamer instrumentation, yet possessing a surprising depth and a necessary, controlled darkness when the Music demands it. Rouvali, a musician who clearly understands the architecture of Sibelius’s sound, navigates this complex interplay with effortless grace.
The slower movement offers a welcome respite – a lyrical oasis where conductor Michael Schönke and the soloist build towards a burgeoning climax. But the momentum quickly shifts as they unleash the exuberant energy of the finale, demonstrating a remarkable responsiveness and a palpable delight in the Music’s inherent vitality.
Lemminkäinen: legends brought to life
Sibelius’s Four Legends of Lemminkäinen, premiered in 1896 and subsequently revised, are brought to life with Rouvali’s dramatic acuity. He doesn’t merely perform these colourful works; he dissects them, revealing structural nuances and hinting at the grand symphonic scale they foreshadow. Lemminkäinen and the Maidens of the Island is particularly potent, brimming with assertive moments that escalate into a series of intensely sensual climaxes. Notably, the cor anglais – particularly in the foreboding ‘Swan of Tuonela’ – delivers a heartbreakingly honest lament, a brief intrusion of raw emotion amidst the classical veneer.
The Tuonela section, featuring Lemminkäinen, is a masterclass in sustained tension, spanning a spine-tingling 17 minutes. The stark contrast to the rollicking triumph of the ‘Return’ is deliberate, a carefully calibrated shift in mood and intensity. Beyond the obvious virtuosity, there’s a subtle exploration of folk Music traditions woven into the score—an intriguing suggestion of a deeper, more primal source.
A listening experience
This recording, available on Apple Music and Spotify, presents a compelling case for Rouvali’s growing stature as a performer of late-Romantic repertoire. It’s an immersive experience, a testament to the power of live Music and the artistry of both soloist and orchestra. Consider it a potent introduction to the breadth of Sibelius’s output.