Leevi Madetoja (1887-1947) : Symphony No. 1 in F major Op. 29 (1914-16)

I. Allegro 0:00
II. Lento misterioso 7:05
III. Finale. Allegro vivace 16:25
Performed by the Iceland Symphony Orchestra conducted by Petri Sakari

[@leestamm3187]

An excellent entry point for those new to Madetoja's wonderful music. A fine performance, as well. Many thanks.

[@MontyVierra]

First time to hear this composer. Thanks.

[@alice_evermore]

Wow - nice upload! Thanks!

[@Captanuki]

Not even a few seconds in and I am captivated by Madetoja's sweeping introduction. There is a great command of contrast demonstrated here, I must listen to the rest.

[@Captanuki]

A subtle, constant build up that ends up so great that I didn't even register I was listening to the finale until the last note was ringing. Splendid, definitely saving this and looking further into the composer's work.

[@mariobozzoni2438]

Non conoscevo l'autore , né ovviamente l'opera . Musica bella molto bella. Complimenti.

[@maxmerry8470]

Far from being eclipsed by the giant shadow cast by Sibelius with whom he studied privately for a short while, Madetoja's orchestral voice is very much his own. Some have detected a refinement which might have been more influenced by French composers than a Finnish nationalist tradition. Be that as it may, this is an impressive piece of symphonic writing which I've enjoyed for quite some time now.

[@Captanuki]

I was wondering where the similarities came from! I was not aware of Madetoja before now, I'm very interested in his work; it's a particular blend of genres that works very well, hints towards his roots while incorporating elements of that which he learned. Impressive.

[@maxmerry8470]

There are a couple of his works on this channel's Finnish Composers playlist. His version of Kullervo is, possibly, a more obviously "nationalist" piece.

[@Captanuki]

@@maxmerry8470 I shall have to take a listen, then! Cheers.

[@freddystoof7698]

@@Captanuki Among Finnish symphonic composers of the same period you might be interested by Erkki Melartin's six symphonies

[@Captanuki]

@@freddystoof7698 I must admit, my only real exposure to Finnish orchestral pieces have been from Sibelius, to learn the wide breadth of their scene is amazing. Or tragic, in the case of Mielk.

[@bowerdw]

A terrific work loaded with balanced intensity.

[@alejandroherreradelaparra3977]

Great work. Thumbs up. Hats off...

[@dmntuba]

Not super well known, but deserves to be listened to 👍