The Finnish composer Erkki Melartin (1875–1937) wrote around 250 art-songs, often grouping settings of different languages and different dates into unrelated and sometimes untitled opus numbers. But what might be a nightmare for the musicologist is a treasure trove for the enthusiast for Nordic song, as this recital of some of the best of Melartin’s Swedish settings will prove, with music that often sounds rather like Sibelius tinged with French Impressionism.

Throughout her fifty year career Barbara Hendricks has shown herself to be one of the greatest champions of French song. This has always held a special place in her repertory and in her heart, as have German lieder, Scandinavian and Spanish songs (not to mention jazz and blues); her musical world has no limits. For this new recording made in 2016, the Swedish soprano pays homage both to her singing teacher and mentor, the great American mezzo-soprano Jennie Tourel, and to the creative genius of Hector Berlioz. If the Nuits d’été have long formed part of her repertory, the two cantatas Herminie and Cléopâtre are new.

"Throughout her fifty year career Barbara Hendricks has shown herself to be one of the greatest champions of French song. This has always held a special place in her repertory and in her heart, as have German lieder, Scandinavian and Spanish songs (not to mention jazz and blues); her musical world has no limits. For this new recording made in 2016, the Swedish soprano pays homage both to her singing teacher and mentor, the great American mezzo-soprano Jennie Tourel, and to the creative genius of Hector Berlioz. If the Nuits d’été have long formed part of her repertory, the two cantatas Herminie and Cléopâtre are new."

On this second record we will hear Palmgren’s magnificent Piano Concertos no. 4-5. The brilliant pianist on the record is Janne Mertanen who has made many recordings for Alba Records. Two other pieces conductor Jan Söderblom has chosen for this record are Pastorale in three scenes and Exotic March. The first recording of Palmgren’s music – The River (ABCD385) received brilliant reviews. The River included Piano Concerto no.1-3 performed by Henri Sigfridsson. The recording was one of the best sellers for Alba Records in 2016.