Internationally acclaimed for his music for orchestra (17 symphonies and 31 concertos to date), Kalevi Aho has also composed chamber and solo works. The present disc combines six such pieces, ranging across the composer's career. The earliest work on the disc is the Bach-inspired Sonata for solo violin from 1973, reminding us that during his years at the Sibelius Aacademy (1968 - 71), Aho studied the violin as well as composition. Another early piece, Prelude, Toccata and Postlude, also started out as a solo work - this time for the cello - before developing into a duo. From the other end, chronologically speaking, is the ample Piano Sonata No. 2 from 2016, with a duration of some 25 minutes. This time it is Beethoven who has provided inspiration, and the composer describes the work as 'a commentary on the Hammerklavier Sonata, in which Beethoven's motifs are frequently "misquoted" and developed in a different direction.' The sonata closes the programme but not before giving us an opportunity to hear three further works involving the violin - a second solo piece, In memoriam Pehr Henrik Nordgren, written in memory of Aho's fellow composer and friend, Lamento for two violins and Halla ('frost') for violin and piano. Performing these works are four highly respected Finnish musicians, the violinists (and brothers) Jaakko and Pekka Kuusisto, Samuli Peltonen (cello) and Sonja FrÃ¤ki, pianist and Aho specialist.

Tracklist:

Prelude, Toccata & Postlude: I. Prelude
Prelude, Toccata & Postlude: II. Toccata
Prelude, Toccata & Postlude: III. Postlude
Lamento For 2 Violins
Halla
Solo Violin Sonata: I. Tempo Di Ciacona - Più Mosso - Prestissimo
Solo Violin Sonata: II. Andante
Solo Violin Sonata: III. Grandioso - Coda
In Memoriam Pehr Henrik Nordgren
Piano Sonata No. 2 "Hommage À Beethoven": I. Allegro - Presto - Allegro Molto
Piano Sonata No. 2 "Hommage À Beethoven": II. Tranquillo
Piano Sonata No. 2 "Hommage À Beethoven": III. Allegro Molto
Piano Sonata No. 2 "Hommage À Beethoven": IV. Campane
Piano Sonata No. 2 "Hommage À Beethoven": V. Allegro

UPC: 7318599921860
Label: Bis
Release Date: 5.1.20
Format: CD

Peltonen / Aho - Chamber Music (CD)