Kullervo and Coriolanus

For his choral symphony Kullervo, Sibelius drew inspiration from centuries-old Finnish melodies and stories. James Gaffigan conducts highlights from this work and Beethoven's Coriolan overture.

Sibelius' Kullervo
With this first large-scale Finnish piece of music, Sibelius captured the hearts of his countrymen. The tragic hero Kullervo fights for independence - just like Finland itself, which has often been annexed through the ages. James Gaffigan conducts parts from Kullervo, with vocal contributions from the Great Broadcasting Male Choir, soprano Johanna Rusanen-Kartano and bass Arttu Kataja. Both soloists are from Finland.

Beethoven's Coriolanus
The Radio Philharmonic Orchestra will also play Beethoven's Overture "Coriolan. About another tragic hero: the Roman leader of the same name, who had to attack his own city in search of justice. In this stormy work, Beethoven gives his musical vision of the moral split in which Coriolan finds himself.