Harri Vuori: Symphonies Nos. 1 and 2
Like many contemporary composers, Harri Vuori (born in Lahti, Finland, in 1957) approached the symphony with some hesitation. But having taken the plunge, Vuori has expertly married his modernist's palette of colours with an awareness of symphonic architecture to create two very different works, the First (2003) in the traditional four-movement form and the Second (2007) in a grand arch of five linked movements — Vuori's virtuoso handling of the orchestra producing music that shimmers with light and heaves with energy.
Hyvinkää Orchestra, orchestra
Tuomas Pirilä, conductor
Listen To This Recording:
-
Symphony No. 1 (2003)
- I. Adagio non tanto – Allegretto
- II. Lento –
- III. Allegro e molto scherzando –
- IV. Allegro non troppo
- I. Lento –
- II. Allegro –
- III. Adagio –
- IV. Appassionato –
- V. Lento
Symphony No. 2 (2007)
The Guardian :
‘colourful, muscular language, full of spectacular orchestral effects’
—Andrew Clements, The Guardian
MusicWeb International :
‘thrillingly rich music … stunningly recorded [:…] the sound seems literally to reach out of your speakers or headphones’
—Rob Barnett, MusicWeb International
International Record Review :
‘Both works are scrupulously well played by the Hyvinkää Orchestra, which clearly deserves to have a recorded profile comparable to those in Lahti and Tampere, while the sound does full justice to this music’s intricate textures. Detailed notes are provided by composer, conductor Tuomas Pirilä and Martin Anderson, on whose Toccata Classics label this is among the most significant issues to date, not least in demonstrating explicitly the problems faced by the symphonists of today. Of these, Harri Vuori, if not the most successful, is still among the most thought-provoking.’
—Richard Whitehouse, International Record Review
Gramophone :
‘Both works emerge from a different aesthetic and with something distinctive to say. The Hyvinkää Orchestra, which I had not previously encountered, play superbly thoughout and the sound is excellent. Definitely worth a try.’
—Guy Rickards, Gramophone
Audiophile Audition :
‘Toccata Press’s catalogue contains a rich seam of unusual and rarely heard music; this issue joins it with honour. In common with other Toccata releases, the booklet is exemplary, with full and helpful notes by Martin Anderson and the composer. Those wishing to sample some well-written contemporary music will find plenty to enjoy here, and I am hoping to hear more from the impressive Hyvinkää Orchestra and Tuomas Pirilä.’
—Peter Joelson, Audiophile Audition
Brian Ferrell :
‘I have been mesmerized by the haunting sounds of the marvelous Harri Vuori disc. Great work! I usually go as far as Rautavaara, Aho and Sallinen and sometimes Kaipainen…but these symphonies are quite magical.’
—Brian Ferrell