Kullervo at Senate Square Live

Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra and YL Male Voice Choir: Kullervo

Kullervo, Op. 7, is a suite of symphonic movements by the Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. Although often referred to as a "choral symphony," the work avoids traditional symphonic structure and its five movements constitute a set of related but independent tone poems. The third and fifth movements make use of a men's chorus. The third, authorized by the composer for performance as an independent work, also calls for two soloists, a baritone and a mezzo-soprano." from Wikipedia


Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra
YL Male Voice Choir, dir. Pasi Hyökki
Okko Kamu, conductor
Helena Juntunen, soprano
Tommi Hakala, baritone

"Each of the five movement presents a part of Kullervo's life, based on the Kullervo cycle from the Kalevala. Movements one, two, and four are instrumental. The third and fifth movements contain sung dialogue from the epic poem. The work runs over an hour, depending upon the conductor. Seven recent recordings range from 70 to 80 minutes in length.

1. Introduction
This movement evokes the heroic sweep of the legendary Finnish setting, as well as the character Kullervo, who is a complex, tragic figure.

2. Kullervo's Youth
This movement reflects the somber tone of Runos 31 through 33 of the Kalevala. Kullervo is marked for tragedy from birth onwards, and he spends his youth largely in slavery.

3. Kullervo and His Sister
The baritone and mezzo-soprano represent the protagonist and his sister, while the male chorus sets the scene and offers commentary. Kullervo encounters three women and attempts, unsuccessfully, to seduce them, before raping the third, only to realize too late that she is his long-lost sister. When she learns the truth, she commits suicide by leaping into a stream and drowning. Kullervo laments his crime and his sister's death.

4. Kullervo Goes to Battle
Kullervo attempts to atone for his crime by seeking death on the battlefield.

5. Kullervo's Death
A haunting male chorus recounts Kullervo's death. He inadvertently comes to the site where he raped his sister, marked by dead grass and bare earth where nature refuses to renew itself. He addresses his magic sword, asking if it will slay him. The sword answers, and he commits suicide."
from Wikipedia
 
So it's not a happy story. It's very distressing and sad tale, and the music makes it come true. Very impressive piece of music. Certainly a Finnish citizen should be familiar with this symphony.

My uncle is in the picture! He's standing behind the second violin from the left you see in the picture. He's the gentleman with grey hair, glasses and some "impressive waist size". In the gold/yellow dress is the soprano Helena Juntunen.

Again there were loads of people. Not everyone was able to see the stage. You can see the crowds around Senate Square in the extra photos.  What a fab event!