Ernst Mielck (1877-1899) was a talented Finnish composer who’s life was cut tragically short at age 22 by tuberculosis. Judging by the works on this recording he might have gone on to greatness. The Symphony in F minor (1897) has a wonderfully impetuous spirit and displays a confidence that belies the composer’s reportedly pessimistic disposition (he was very sickly most of his life). The tone and temperament of the first movement suggest Mendelssohn in one of his grimly serious allegros, though the sound world is closer to Berwald. Clever melodic invention and a novel use of rhythm characterize the scherzo, while the following Andante cantabile evokes Brahms. The festive finale adds loud percussion to a very danceable march tune.
The Concert Piece in E minor for Piano and Orchestra (1898) displays even more of Mielck’s originality. The work is titled as such due to the non-virtuostic nature of the piano part. An arresting Polish dance-rhythm begins first movement, followed by a Largo that brings to mind the slow movement of Grieg’s concerto. The Finale is a set of happy variations. Liisa Pohjola (Pohjola’s daughter?) handles the Chopinesque piano writing with ease. Hannu Lintu and the Turku Philharmonic (the orchestra that premiered some of Mielck’s works) play the music convincingly, though I kept wondering what a world-class ensemble would make of it. The sound is a little opaque, but listenable. Recommended for a tantalizing glimpse of what might have been.
