Composer

:

Leevi Madetoja

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Tone Poem

Average_duration

:

14:10

'Kullervo, Op. 15' is a symphonic poem composed by Finnish composer Leevi Madetoja in 1922. The piece is based on the Finnish epic poem 'Kalevala' and tells the tragic story of Kullervo, a young man who is sold into slavery and seeks revenge against his oppressors. The premiere of the piece was on November 17, 1922, in Helsinki, conducted by Georg Schnéevoigt. The piece is divided into five movements, each representing a different aspect of Kullervo's story. The first movement, 'Introduction', sets the scene with a somber and mournful melody played by the cellos and basses. The second movement, 'Kullervo's Youth', is more lively and energetic, representing Kullervo's carefree youth before he is sold into slavery. The third movement, 'Kullervo and His Sister', is a hauntingly beautiful duet between the solo soprano and baritone, representing the incestuous relationship between Kullervo and his sister. The fourth movement, 'Kullervo Goes to War', is the most dramatic and intense of the five. It features a driving rhythm and powerful brass and percussion sections, representing Kullervo's rage and thirst for revenge. The final movement, 'Kullervo's Death', is a slow and mournful piece, representing Kullervo's tragic end. Madetoja's 'Kullervo, Op. 15' is characterized by its use of traditional Finnish melodies and rhythms, as well as its lush orchestration and emotional depth. The piece is considered one of the most important works in Finnish classical music and has been performed and recorded by many orchestras around the world.

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