ASU Male Chorus - "Finlandia" Hymn by Sibelius

[pondmonsterfox]

I do agree that most modern interpretations are performed with a much slower tempo, and I like them. Sebelius' melody is so beautifully composed, it does beckon one to savor it, I admit. Skoog, the conductor, was a scholar. This is a faster interpretation that you will not hear much anymore, but it is more true to Sebelius' original vision for the piece.

[pondmonsterfox]

Finlandia Hymn is often interpreted as andante espressivo these days, but the piece was meant to be performed with "confidence and spirit," according to Sibelius. He indicated allegro moderato. It was a call to awaken the fighting spirit of the Finns against their Russian occupation. It was never meant to be performed as a somber hymn. It is a song about joy, and freedom from slavery. It is a proclamation of victory. Skoog was quite a scholar, and he loved Sibelius.

[38me41an]

I agree is is too.fast. Listen the Male Chores of the Finland singers. More dramatic and pure.

[Ephisus]

This is by far the best recording of this piece I've yet heard. It's so very refreshing to hear the proper lyrics sung with conviction.

[SepirothUltima]

Too fast

[MrAyrhead]

Very good singing, but interpretation was way too fast + rests should've been marked much more clearly.

[kpasi70]

Good voices in the chorus but .... the feeling is missing!! Too technical singing!!!

[AnAmericanSon]

A touch fast, but excellent vocals!

[HighROCOCOlings]

One of beautiful finest chores in this world !

Wonderful!ASU!! Recorfing thechcic is also high ,top of the good on best effort in the time ,I supose!!

Many people had respected you in the time, I supose!!!!

Place effects was good,too! Enter the first and end of this music voice were

very very fine.

Superior fine !

I have haven good impressions about this chore's total image that has spiritual full of major phirosophticated voice !



[wynneaholic]

I had the honor of studying under alfre skoog in 1983 and 1984 and he taught me more in 1 year about my voice than I had learned in my entire life. I owe my musical career to him!!

[SerenaSarah]

Magnificent!

[choirman41]

Got to love Al and all the memories of him. Frustating as hell as his choral accompanist while I was a student there, but learned so much and feel honored he was a teacher of mine.

[gpyland]

I am who I am today as a choral conductor because of Alfred Skoog... he inspired so many people. I am just one of the many. I hope to sing with him someday in the heavenly choir. That is if he hasn't taken over the conducting post and have the angels marching around the rehearsal room to stay in tempo.

[bretthacker]

Ditto to ditto's comments.

[twhditto]

Al Skoog was one of the Great Directors of Chorale Music in America. Thankfully, I got to experience his conducting for 5 years at Arkansas State University. Thanks for posting this incredible choir!