Customer Reviews

Jukka Myllys: Finnish Euphonium

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

The playing exhibited here by Jukka Myllys clearly establishes him as a "world-class" musician. Especially gratifying is the depth of expression and nuance that are complimented by the truly remarkable range and technical prowess he possesses. The CD opens with the "Euphonium Concerto" by Jukka Linkola, who is the winner of numerous international awards. This may be the most significant addition to the euphonium repertoire since Curnow's "Symphonic Variants". I had to pause the CD after my first hearing in order to immediately play it again; and then again, to savor the feelings of having been through a unique musical and emotional experience. At nearly 28 minutes in length, I suggest setting aside an undisturbed hour so you too can experience it twice in a row. Linkola writes, "The Euphonium Concerto is unashamedly melodic music... I wanted to exploit to the full the songlike, sensuous quality as a vehicle to interpret the minutest nuance." In addition to writing masterfully for the euphonium, he has conceived an orchestral score that is equally rich in colors and nuances. For example, listen to it once concentrating on his use of the percussion section. The Oulu Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Arvo Volmer, deserves highest kudos for their equally sensitive and exciting playing. The musical world needs to hear more from these wonderful musicians and maestro.

Juha T. Koskinen's "Destination" is another fine contribution, here benefiting from the highly musical piano accompaniment of Hannu Hirvela. In its eight minutes it reflectively propels the listener from the opening "shrill cry" to the final destination.

"Blue Gleam of Arctic Hysteria", by Oliver Kohlenberg, is accompanied by piano (Hirvela) and percussion (Aki Virtanen). At 22 minutes it is probably the longest single movement work to date for the euphonium. It also contains what is probably the widest range portamento (12:27), the longest sustained pitch (20:30 for 1:20 with a flutter tongue at the end), and the widest written range (outside of gimmicks in "showpieces") in the repertoire. Included are some new techniques: flutter-tongued portamento (2:55 et al), humming portamenti over a slow trill in the pedal register (7:00), slowly removing the mouthpiece while liptrilling (2:30), and a tremolo (16:24) that sounds electronically enhanced (how did he do that?). Though this is more music for the head than the heart, it is especially commendable for the expansion of the sound palette it provides.

Be sure to let the disk run to the 22:50 mark for an unlisted bonus track that you are sure to enjoy. It provides the perfect "after-dinner treat"!

This recording was made possible with funds from the Foundation for the Promotion of Finnish music and the Finnish Performing Music Promotion Centre. They have given a special gift to the musical world in general and the euphonium world in particular. Wouldn't it be nice to have a euphonium concerto become part of the standard orchestral repertoire? Share the Linkola recording with every conductor you know. Let every composer hear this CD to know what the euphonium is capable of producing.

(Above excerpted from my review in the "TUBA Journal" Vol. 27, No. 2, Winter 1999, pp. 32-33. In the same issue is a full review of the Linkola "Concerto", pp. 23-24.)

-- Frank Meredith; low brass instructor, Hartwick College; bass trombone/euphonium, Glimmerglass Opera and Utica Symphony.

Although I was overjoyed upon hearing this CD, I was suprised by the modern feeling in the music. Usually euphonium pieces are more classical in style, yet only the first three tracks, the Euphonium Concerto, even hint at a classical past. The last two pieces are definately contemporary, yet very stirring. The performer, Jukka Myllys, effectively conveys emotions and submerses the listener in the "arctic" for the Blue Gleam of Arctic Histeria. This collection of beautifully crafted pieces easily ranks as the best collection of contemporary euphonium pieces ever written/performed.

The playing exhibited here by Jukka Myllys clearly establishes him as a "world-class" musician. Especially gratifying is the depth of expression and nuance that are complimented by the truly remarkable range and technical prowess he possesses. The CD opens with the "Euphonium Concerto" by Jukka Linkola, who is the winner of numerous international awards. This may be the most significant addition to the euphonium repertoire since Curnow's "Symphonic Variants". I had to pause the CD after my first hearing in order to immediately play it again; and then again, to savor the feelings of having been through a unique musical and emotional experience. At nearly 28 minutes in length, I suggest setting aside an undisturbed hour so you too can experience it twice in a row. Linkola writes, "The Euphonium Concerto is unashamedly melodic music... I wanted to exploit to the full the songlike, sensuous quality as a vehicle to interpret the minutest nuance." In addition to writing masterfully for the euphonium, he has conceived an orchestral score that is equally rich in colors and nuances. For example, listen to it once concentrating on his use of the percussion section. The Oulu Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Arvo Volmer, deserves highest kudos for their equally sensitive and exciting playing. The musical world needs to hear more from these wonderful musicians and maestro.

Juha T. Koskinen's "Destination" is another fine contribution, here benefiting from the highly musical piano accompaniment of Hannu Hirvela. In its eight minutes it reflectively propels the listener from the opening "shrill cry" to the final destination.

"Blue Gleam of Arctic Hysteria", by Oliver Kohlenberg, is accompanied by piano (Hirvela) and percussion (Aki Virtanen). At 22 minutes it is probably the longest single movement work to date for the euphonium. It also contains what is probably the widest range portamento (12:27), the longest sustained pitch (20:30 for 1:20 with a flutter tongue at the end), and the widest written range (outside of gimmicks in "showpieces") in the repertoire. Included are some new techniques: flutter-tongued portamento (2:55 et al), humming portamenti over a slow trill in the pedal register (7:00), slowly removing the mouthpiece while liptrilling (2:30), and a tremolo (16:24) that sounds electronically enhanced (how did he do that?). Though this is more music for the head than the heart, it is especially commendable for the expansion of the sound palette it provides.

Be sure to let the disk run to the 22:50 mark for an unlisted bonus track that you are sure to enjoy. It provides the perfect "after-dinner treat"!

This recording was made possible with funds from the Foundation for the Promotion of Finnish music and the Finnish Performing Music Promotion Centre. They have given a special gift to the musical world in general and the euphonium world in particular. Wouldn't it be nice to have a euphonium concerto become part of the standard orchestral repertoire? Share the Linkola recording with every conductor you know. Let every composer hear this CD to know what the euphonium is capable of producing.

(Above excerpted from my review in the "TUBA Journal" Vol. 27, No. 2, Winter 1999, pp. 32-33. In the same issue is a full review of the Linkola "Concerto", pp. 23-24.)

-- Frank Meredith; Bass trombone/euphonium, Glimmerglass Opera and Utica Symphony.

Fantastic !! The music is a little "different", but it will grow on you. Playing is amazing.

This is a beautiful collection of original material for the euphonium that will interest both fans of contemporary music looking for something unusual, and fans of low brass instruments. If you're partial to Scandinavian composers you'll find that this is a worthy Finnish contribution to their already sizeable recorded literature.

The disc features the very first commercial recording of a concerto for euphonium and symphony orchestra - worth purchasing for the historical value alone.

Rest assured that this is not "tuneless fiddling and toodling" as one reviewer commented. Although the first two listed pieces are contemporary, most listeners will find them melodic and easy to understand. The "Blue Gleam of Arctic Hysteria", by Oliver Kohlenberg, is more atmospheric than melodic, but I found that it did create the feeling of the desolation of an arctic winter. It does also showcase the wide range of sounds that the euphonium can achieve. Some of these sounds might be called gimmicks, but I was fascinated as to how Myllys could have achieved these effects. Thanks to reviewer Frank Meredith for explanations (see above).

As Frank Meredith noted, there is a surprise bonus selection on this CD! Wait for about one minute of silence after the end of "Blue Gleam of Arctic Hysteria" and you will be treated to a very nice and entertaining transcription of Rimsky-Korsakov's "Flight of the Bumblebee" from "The Tale of the Tsar Saltan" for euphonium and piano. How do you make the euphonium sound like a bumblebee - you will have to listen to find out!

Myllys has a light, yet slightly brassy sound that I really liked - powerful when needed, but also precise and delicate. His style of playing really reminds me of Hakan Hardenberger, the noted Scandinavian trumpet player.

Imagine orchestrating a score to reflect the nervousness and agitation felt in a doctor's waiting room.The Finnish Euphonium fits just such a bill.The tuneless fiddling and toodling,and the hiccuping oboe would make anyone restless.Rx: Take this CD with two aspirin, then toss it... in the morning.