Henri Sigfridsson, Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra, John Storgårds - Kimmo Hakola: Piano Concerto, Sinfonietta (2009)

Finnish composer Kimmo Hakola was recently portrayed by The New York Times as, possessed of a joyful, mischievous spirit. The article described his music as mixing together shapely lyricism, atonality, quirky folkishness and an almost hedonistic approach to timbre and rhythm an ideal characterization of the monumental Piano Concerto, which is the main feature on this new CD released in celebration of Hakola s 50th birthday. The 55- minute work is cast in no less than nine stirring movements which combine scintillating virtuosity with powerful emotions and humor. With hints of jazz and folk music, in addition to parodist episodes of serial music, Hakola produces unorthodox and accessible classical music at its best! Completing the disc is the Sinfonietta for orchestra, a 15-minute work of relentless virtuoso energy. The acclaimed young Finnish pianist Henri Sigfridsson is accompanied by the Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra and chief conductor John Storgårds who have made award-winning recordings of contemporary music.