Robert Spano

Review: Kullervo, the five-movement narrative symphony composed by Jean Sibelius at the age of 25 was based on a story from the Kalevala, the mythic history of the ancient Finns, and from the moment of its 1892 premiere in Helsinki - conducted by Sibelius - Kullervo, became a symbol of Finnish nationalism, and the composer became a national hero. The 80-minute work, performed by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the men from the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus, with baritone Nathan Gunn and mezzo-soprano Charlotte Hellekant, was conducted by ASO Music Director Robert Spano and recorded at the Woodruff Arts Center .

Songlist: Introduction, Kullervo's Youth, Kullervo's And His Sister, Kullervo Goes To Battle, Kullervo's Death

Review: This recording presents a poignant compilations disc of songs, laments, chants, and single movements from large sacred works-all conducted by the late Robert Shaw-that evoke peace, reflection and remembrance. All of the thirteen tracks in this beautiful collection are taken from a wide variety of previously released recordings made for Telarc by the late Robert Shaw, the Dean of American choral conductors. The featured compositions include single movements from large works for chorus and orchestra (such as the Requiems of Mozart, Faure, and Durufle) as well as works for unaccompanied voices (such as the "Ave Maria" from Quattro Pezzi Sacri by Verdi.) The recording opens with the serene sounds of Gregorian chant: six verses of the Stabat Mater dolorosa, followed by the "Fac ut ardeat" movement from the Stabat Mater by Poulenc. Secular works featured on Elegy include Beethoven's Elegiac Song; the Schicksalslied (Song of Destiny) by Brahms; a movement from Hindemith's poignant When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom'd; and the "Bois muertri" from Poulenc's Un soir de neige (Night of Snow). The recording closes, fittingly, with Schoenberg's eloquent a cappella choral work, Friede auf Erden (Peace on Earth).

Songlist: A Song for All Seas, All Ships, On the Beach at Night, Alone, Scherzo: The Waves, The Explorers