Description
Ann Mulally, executive producer
Violinist Petteri Iivonen, pianist Juho Pohjonen and cellist Samuli Peltonen founded Sibelius Piano Trio a few years ago, and catapulted to success on the European concert stage. When three international soloists of this caliber unite to form a chamber music ensemble, the results are predictably electric. These three friends love playing together, and this love is easy to hear in their concerts and in their recording.
As a proud Finn and as a representative of the Finnish government, I salute Sibelius Piano Trio for their talent and join them in celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Finland’s independence
in 2017. Petteri, Juho and Samuli embody and exemplify the best of our country, and as someone who lives in Los Angeles, it gives me great pleasure that the Trio is so intimately connected with California and Yarlung Records. Please join me in celebrating this dynamic young trio, and in celebrating the magnificent country of Finland.
Suomi 100!
–J.P. Markkanen, Consul General of Finland
Los Angeles, July 28th, 2016
Yarlung extends our sincere thanks to Ann Mulally, executive producer and champion of prior Petteri Iivonen recordings, as well as Randy & Linda Bellous, our Finnish Centennial Sponsors, for enabling us to release this double-CD set for Sibelius Piano Trio.
Scot Hurwitz –
I just ordered the Sibelius Piano Trio cd and can’t wait to get it. I look forward to any new releases from this label. The two best engineers out there today are, in my opinion, Jan Eric Kangshong from the ECM label in Europe and Bob Attiyeh of Yarlung records here in the USA. They are so consistent and the recordings are always demonstration quality. The music speaks for itself as it is always interesting and diverse. The musicians are always fantastic as are the conductors . You can hear the pride and care that goes into every release.
Bob Attiyeh –
Thank you Scot! I so appreciate your post. ECM happens to be one of my absolute favorite labels, and your mention of ECM and Yarlung in the same paragraph is such a compliment to our work. We are grateful. And we are grateful for your support. Please let me know how Sibelius Piano Trio sounds to you. –Bob Attiyeh
Scot Hurwitz –
I received the new Sibelius Piano Trio disc (yes, I still buy discs, you can stop laughing now) a few days ago and all I can say is WOW! I was pleasantly surprised to see that this is a two disc set. This is very appropriate because you are getting much more than just the traditional Sibelius piano trio style of music that we all love. There are also a couple of other much less famous composers on this release as well. Maybe not everyone’s “cup of tea” but for those of us who appreciate something other than the same style of music that we’ve all heard, disc #2 will come as an unexpected breath of fresh air. For those of us who are willing to explore contemporary, avant-garde styles of music occasionally, disc 2 is perfect. Trust me, it will not only surprise you, it will shock you. There is truly something here for everyone. As usual, the recording quality is fantastic. When we buy a new release, regardless of format, we can only hope and prey that the recording quality is good enough so we can enjoy the new release. With this label, you never have to worry about that. You always know that the recording quality will be world-class. Why can’t the other guys get it right. Mr. Yarlung does, every time! Thank you.
Bob Attiyeh –
Thank you! You are not alone in enjoying Sibelius Piano Trio! This album earned a Latin GRAMMY nomination for Diego Schissi’s wonderful piece Nene, commissioned by Leslie Lassiter, Raulee Marcus and Steve Block through Yarlung Artists Coretet. We are thrilled!
Robert Tingley –
This 2 disc release by the Sibelius trio is a must have for your classical collection. Included are 3 selections by Sibelius as well as comtemporary composers Schissi and Lefkowitz. The production of the music is incredible as each instrument is distinct and identifiable, the dynamics amongst the group are apparent without any visual reference. I was fortunate to have heard this group in March of 2016 in Samueli Hall (Costa Mesa) and if you get an opportunity to hear them live do not pass it up.
Yarlung Records –
Thank you Robert! That was a fantastic concert indeed (the concert/recording session to which you refer in your kind review). I too look forward the the Trio’s next live performances in California. I’m glad you are so enjoying this recording. Working with musicians of this caliber is so rewarding for all of us.
Ann O’Bryan –
This 2-disc recording such a treat! The rich variety of the music, with works by Diego Schissi, Lotta Wennakoski, David S. Lefkowitz, and Kaija Saariaho, as well as three Sibelius trios, makes this a wonderful addition to piano trio recordings. All works and styles are expertly and beautifully rendered. The ensemble of the three performers is marvelous: cohesively expressive, clean and taut, and with beautiful interplay among the lines. I can’t wait to hear more from the Sibelius Piano Trio.