ASU Male Chorus - "Finlandia" Hymn by Sibelius

Arkansas State University Male Chorus under the direction of Alfred Skoog performing at the Arkansas Choral Director's Association conference in Little Rock, March 1990.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• ASU
• Male
• Chorus

[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!