Selim Palmgren (1878-1951): Aus Finnland, Op. 24 (Four Symphonic Pictures) - (1904)
Leevi Madetoja (1887-1947): Suite Pastorale, Op. 34 (Orchestration of Suite for Piano from 1916) - (1933)
Väinö Raitio (1891-1945): Idylli - (1938)
Robert Kajanus (1856-1933): Adagietto - (1913)
Väinö Raitio (1891-1945): Scherzo 'Felis Domestica' (Domestic Cat) - (1935)
Jean Sibelius (1865-1957): Kurkikohtaus, Op. 44 No. 2 (Scene with Cranes) - (1906)
Robert Kajanus (1856-1933): Suomalainen rapsodia No. 2, Op. 8 (Finnish Rhapsody) - (1886)
Leevi Madetoja (1887-1947): Marian murhe, Op. 27 No. 2 (Mary's Sorrow/Stabat Mater) - (Female Chorus and String Orchestra) - (1917)

I've always found the music of Scandinavian or Nordic composers to possess an extra degree of evocative propensity. Music that always paints a bucolic scene, tinged with impressions of expansive pine forests covered in mist, or cold, vast and mountainous fjords. All of it invoked not by melody but rather by a luxuriant, unhurried orchestral flow that draws you in.

Of added interest on this recording is the inclusion of lesser-known composers and/or works off the beaten path. Selim Palmgren was a Finnish pianist, conductor and composer who helped to establish the nationalist movement in Finnish music. Mostly remembered for his piano works, he also wrote songs, choral pieces, concertos and orchestral works. Aus Finnland is a captivating example of a tone poem, especially the movement titled Dance of the Falling Leaves in which Palmgren displays is full command on orchestration.

As well, the Legend movement of Leevi Madetoja's Suite Pastorale fully imparts a sense of remote, unblemished nature. Idylli (Idyll) by Väinö Raitio, with subtle yet imaginative orchestration, paints a snapshot of eden on earth from dawn, through stormy midday, 'til dusk. A clearly neglected gem.

The Adagietto by Robert Kajanus, as its title implies, is a deeply moving, solemn and melancholy piece masterfully scored for string orchestra. Robert Kajanus was a famous Finnish conductor who championed the music of Jean Sibelius. This piece may only be just over four minutes in duration, but it alone is worth the price of this CD. At the other end of the emotive spectrum lies the Scherzo 'Felis Domestica' (Domestic Cat) by Väinö Raitio, full of fine rhythmic and humorous interplay within the woodwind instruments.

The Oulu Sinfonia may be comparatively young (founded in 1937) but they sound just as polished and expressive as any deeply established ensembles. Being the northernmost symphony orchestra in Finland it's safe to assume that this music is in their blood.