Beneath

Sebastian Fagerlund belongs among the most renowned contemporary composers of Finland and creates works with vivid narrative force and emotional depth in the genres of orchestral music, opera and chamber music. This recording contains four works for different instrumental ensembles, which demonstrate Fagerlund's ability to connect his compositions with one another through strong spiritual and stylistic ties. "Beneath" for string orchestra is situated at the intersection between concerto and ensemble work. The solo violin – a "first among equals" – emerges from the orchestra and merges with it, undertaking a journey from rising chord progressions via energetic passages to a quiet resolution. "Remain", a piano trio completed on the day Russia invaded Ukraine, weaves quotations from Ravel, Bach and Brahms into three emotionally charged movements, dedicated to the people of Ukraine. "Materie", a solo piece for violin written for the Kuopio violin competition, combines technical brilliance with expressive nuance and unfolds itself in two powerful waves between contemplation and intensity. The finale "Stilla" for violin and piano moves from introspective exploration via energetic peaks towards a poignant, still, mysterious conclusion. Running through all four works as a connecting thread is violinist and conductor Malin Broman, who appears both as soloist and as part of the Kungsbacka Piano Trio while simultaneously conducting the Ostrobothnian Chamber Orchestra.