Erkki Melartin | Barcarole, Op. 59/1

Erkki Melartin (1875 – 1937) was a Finnish composer. As well as composing, Melartin also taught and directed music at the Helsinki Music College, later the Helsinki Conservatory. As conductor of the Vyborg Orchestra in 1908–11, and despite chronic health problems, Melartin toured extensively (as far as North Africa and India), conducting the first performance of Gustav Mahler's music in Scandinavia, a movement of the Resurrection symphony in 1909. Although Melartin was chiefly a lyricist, the symphony was central to his musical output. He wrote six symphonies (1902–1924) and was the first Finnish composer to bear Mahler's influence.

Despite working in the same time period as Jean Sibelius he was not influenced by the more famous composer's style, and his work has been largely overshadowed by that of Finland's most revered composer.

[tommywestbrook]

He definitely had something to say - and in a beautiful and touching way.

[lspringerjones]

Your playing is beautiful and I thank you for sharing it with the world.

[Kimmobiino]

Greetings from Finland. So good! I learned this last year, it's so beautiful and melancholy!

[eloisadomingo]

Qué preciosidad. Qué maravilla como te suena, gracias por tu música 🥰😍

[RonCrandall-gf]

Absolutely superb! A++
These Finnish composers were brilliant. Their compositions "tell stories".
Another fine example was the composer Toivo Kuula - Six Pieces for Piano, Op. 26
(hint hint, Gamma please treat us some day!)

[elricondelanostalgiadefran]

What a wonderful interpretation of Erkki Melartin's "Barcarola"! You have truly captured the essence of the piece, transmitting with impressive mastery the fluidity and serenity that Melartin envisioned. The well-controlled arpeggios in the left hand perfectly evoke the gentle rocking of a boat on the water, while your command of the rhythmic flow gives it a natural, immersive quality. The way you maintain that consistency while exploring the subtle emotional variations demonstrates a deep understanding of the atmosphere Melartin sought to create.

Your handling of rubato is sublime. The melody flows with such refined expressiveness that each phrase seems to breathe on its own. The contrast between the more tranquil passages and the more intense moments is perfectly balanced, never losing the elegance inherent to the piece. The musicality you bring to it is truly remarkable, and you manage to highlight the emotional complexity without overwhelming the interpretation, allowing the beauty of the piece to unfold in a natural and authentic way.

Furthermore, the technical clarity in executing the faster arpeggios and denser passages shows absolute control over the piano. Your precise articulation and the fluidity of your touch not only display impressive virtuosity but also a deep connection with Melartin's music. It is truly an exceptional interpretation, one that not only highlights your technical ability but also your capacity to communicate the soul of the piece. Congratulations, you've delivered an interpretation that truly does justice to the beauty of this work!

[ppmxety]

So very pretty and beautifully played ❤

[ValseMelancolique]

00:00, 00:17, 00:37, 00:54, 01:21, 01:45, 02:03, 02:31, 02:32, 02:33, 02:51, 03:45 Exquisite❤️‍🔥

[Ellatigojusticiero]

Siento a Faure en esa Barcarola, de algún forma estaña Melartin influenciado, no se quien de quien, ni se las fechas

[brookemahanes]

Sublime. I wish the camera was over top of the keyboard so we could watch your hands play too. ❤❤❤