Klami: Cheremissian Fantasy for cello and orchestra

This new recording pays tribute to Uuno Klami (1900–1961) – one of the most successful and cosmopolitan Finnish composers; his popularity in Finland equals that of Jean Sibelius and Einojuhani Rautavaara and still awaits major discovery beyond the national borders.

This CD features his monumental masterpiece Kalevala Suite for large orchestra, which became a true landmark in Finnish music history and remains his best-known work and a real orchestral showpiece.

Also featured is the orchestral fantasy Northern Lights, which Klami himself once called his best composition; this is the work’s first-time recording for commercial release.

The cello concerto-like Cheremissian Fantasy has raised comparisons with Stravinsky. It features acclaimed young Finnish cellist Samuli Peltonen as soloist. hief conductor John Storgårds here leads the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, which has a long history of collaborating with Klami and of performing his works.