OrganOrgan Historical Finnish organ works - ALBA RECORDS ABCD 298 [DM]: Classical Music Reviews

In my recent review of Santeri Siimes’ CD I commented that some of the best organ recordings now come from Finland. Regular readers will know how taken I am with the hybrid SACDs from the Finnish label Fuga, engineered by Mika Koivusalo. Alba, based in Tampere, is new to me, but paging through the booklet I was delighted to see this is a Koivusalo production as well. Curiously, Alba don’t display the SACD logo on the front cover; do they have so little faith in the format’s sonic virtues?

As always, it’s the music that counts, and there are no quibbles on that score. The Finnish composers represented aren’t very well known, but after listening to this disc I think they ought to be. Tema con variazioni, by the organist-composer Armas Maasalo, has an unassuming grandeur that pretty much defines this disc as a whole. It’s an assured and characterful piece, Urponen drawing some of the most diaphanous sounds from this generous, sweet-toned Kangasala. As expected, the recording is exceptionally full and vivid, with a rock-solid pedal and pure, unfettered treble; but then I wouldn’t expect anything less from this multi-talented tonmeister.

As for Väinö Raitio’s Canzonetta, it’s hard to believe the composer described himself as a Modernist. Indeed, there’s a discreet charm to this miniature that may well recall the lighter Franck. Urponen is unerring in matters of registration and scale, always alive to the delicate hues and textures of this piece. Those same qualities are present in his reading of Raitio’s Legenda, Op 20/1; in the best Sibelian tradition, this ‘poem for great organ’ has a most imposing presence, the recording’s deep, firm bass as thrilling as any I’ve heard on disc. But it’s the quiet, reflective passages that are the most telling, dynamics finely calibrated throughout.

For those weary of organ festivals, fireworks and spectaculars this recital should come as a blessed relief. And what a pleasure it is to be introduced to the Maasalo sonata, played with such lightness and grace. The descending pedal figures of the Adagio – shades of Franck’s gentle G minor Andantino – are contrasted with ghostly scales in the organ’s upper reaches. The instrument has a palpable, airy presence that’s just astonishing, even in a recording with this pedigree; and those who don’t have a Super Audio player will be pleased to know it all sounds just as impressive in its Red Book form. The Allegretto (Pastorale) is fleet of foot – mischievous, even – the final Fugue rather more formal. Even here there’s an engaging simplicity to the writing – some might call it lightweight – but such is the ease and authority of Urponen’s playing that such criticism is easily deflected.

As for organist-teacher John Granlund’s Passacaglia, it opens with a restless, Tristan-like theme that yearns for some kind of resolution. It’s a measured but naturally paced performance that builds to a series of broad climaxes, the ur-theme never far away. Now this really is stirring, noble stuff; in terms of scale and presence it’s reminiscent of Sibelius, whose œuvre for organ has been recorded by Kalevi Kiviniemi (review). That’s especially true of the Sonata in B flat minor; yes, there’s a whiff of the pedagogue in this closely argued score, but there are moments of quirkiness and – in the aerated Adagio – of unexpected loveliness, that I enjoyed immensely. And what better way to end than with a majestic Allegro? This is one of those understated yet impressive pieces that really ought to be more widely programmed.

Speaking of programmes, the music here is well chosen, offering plenty of variety and character. These are quality pieces played – and recorded – with impeccable taste and sensitivity. Urponen is an organist to watch, and one I’m happy to place alongside fellow Finn Kiviniemi and the German organist Hans-Eberhard Ross; the latter’s Franck recordings for Audite are very special indeed.

One of the most satisfying recitals I’ve heard in ages. A mandatory purchase for organ fanciers and discerning audiophiles alike.

Dan Morgan

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