NATIONAL LANDSCAPES

Sakari Oramo, principal conductor of the BBC Symphony Orchestra, demonstrates that the history of Finnish music rests on broader shoulders than is often remembered. Jean Sibelius’s Fourth Symphony is complemented by rare orchestral gems by Heidi Sundblad-Halme (1903–73).

This powerful figure from the last century ranks among the great unknowns among Finnish composers. An orchestra conductor, pianist, organist and composer, she did not receive the recognition she deserved during her lifetime. Even the doors of the Finnish Composers’ Union remained closed to her, even though her one-act ballet, numerous orchestral suites, songs and chamber works undeniably possess great artistic merit.

Sundblad-Halme’s musical style reflects the rich, nuanced colourfulness of the early 20th century without ever sounding derivative. Among her best works is the Pan Suite (1951), which weaves together duets for flute and soprano into tales that are sometimes impressionistic, sometimes evocative of a national identity.