The surrounding nature always formed an integral source of inspiration for Finland’s ‘national composer’ Jean Sibelius. In his youth the composer imagined birds as various instruments of the orchestra, but also in his mature compositions the element of nature is very much present. When Sibelius moved to his home, Ainola, in 1904 – a place where he was to live and compose until his death in 1957 – his only request was a view to the lake nearby. As Sibelius’ biographer wrote: “When Sibelius first left Helsinki, Järvenpää [where Ainola is located] was to a large extent untouched countryside. Foals and sheep almost nosed their way into the house, and from time to time an elk majestically bestrode the grounds.” This peaceful environment inspired Sibelius to write the main part of his catalogue of works.

Strauss singing doesn't come much better than this. No doubt the composer himself, with his love of the soprano voice, would have been enthralled by Isokoski's glorious singing. He might also have approved of Janowski's straightforward, quite brisk conducting as he was never one to sentimentalise his own music. With a combination of free, unfettered tone, not a hint of strain in high-lying passages, a fine legato and an amazingly long breath, Isokoski fulfils every demand of her chosen songs. To those attributes she adds just a hint of quick vibrato, which she uses unerringly to expressive purpose throughout.