ABCD 269 Pehr Henrik Nordgren: The Lights of Heaven / Ostrobothnian Chamber Orchestra, Juha Kangas, conductor etc.

"Nordgren's Taivaanvalot (1984-85) is a cantata based on a legend from that wellspring of Finnish folk-myth, the Kalevala. Central to the nation's cultural consciousness (which has been a source for works by Sibelius, and Rautavaara, among others). In his case it's a tale of how the sun and heavenly lights were abducted, and then set free: mythic to the bone ... He incorporates an orchestra of folk instruments into the overall fabric. The sonic result is something both archaic and timeless ... And then there is "Intermezzo-The Cosmic Dance of Heavenly Bodies", which is a piece like none you've ever heard. It features a live singer, bowed lyre, and a tape part which seems to include throat/overtone singing, open form improvisatory layers, non-classical instruments and ways of playing. Full of buzzing sounds, both vocal and instrumental, it sounds like some giant celestial calliope wheezing along into eternity ... It's playful and totally beautiful at once ... These are great performances (but is it possible there is ever a mediocre performance in Finland?)"

Fanfare / Robert Carl

--> (Taivaanvalot) The Lights of Heaven