A worthy precursor to Sibelius
Kajanus was best known for his advocacy of Sibelius' music, and his recordings are still considered outstanding. But Kajanus was also a composer, whose incorporation of Finnish national material into his music directly inspired Sibelius. The music is well worth hearing, and shows Kajanus as accomplished and imaginative. Lemminkainen's funeral march is a sombre reflection on the complex and doom-laden hero of the Kalevala tale. The sinfonietta is a lighter work, but still manages to speak with a distinctive voice. Well played and recorded - this album is certainly a happy discovery
