KALEVI AHO : Solo (Sharon Bezaly · Piet Van Bockstal · Marie-Luise Neunecker · Smuli Peltonen · Simon Reitmaier · Bram van Sambeek · Hiyoli Togawa) (2021) SACD · Hybrid | FLAC (image+.cue) lossless

With Kalevi Aho's growing set of Solos for each of the orchestral instruments reaching its 17th edition (for clavichord and dedicated to flutist and clavichordist Michael Hasel) in 2020, this inaugural volume of BIS' survey of these works, which spans nearly three decades, is very welcome. Four of the present recordings have been released previously, and four feature the dedicatee performing. Following on Aho's concertos for all the orchestral instruments, these solos do much to test the abilities of the player with extended techniques and harmonics. The works, several written as competition test pieces, not only offer the performers room to grow as artists, they give the musicians a chance to show off their personality. These extended techniques and individuality are on full display in the Solo V for bassoon: Bram van Sambeek, who has made a reputation for adventurous programming, offers more than technical ability as he conquers the extremes of the instrument. The earliest work here, Solo III for flute, was composed at two different times, with the first movement written on commission in 1990 for that year's Scandinavian Flute Competition. Though written at a slower tempo, it is thoroughly complex and demanding of the player. The second movement was composed in 1991 when Aho decided to add a contrasting, virtuosic fast movement. Marked presto, it begins in the lower register, delivering a flurry of notes in perpetual motion through the upper register as it concludes the album at a prestissimo. Flutist Sharon Bezaly so impressed Aho with this recording that he composed his flute concerto for her. BIS is to be commended for the quality and cohesion found in these recordings, especially considering the diverse recording locations and the instruments involved. An intriguing start to this survey, with future volumes sure to entice. Keith Finke
Kalevi Aho (b. 1949)
1. Solo IV for cello
2. Solo XII - in memoriam EJR for viola
3. Solo IX for oboe
4. Solo XIV for clarinet
5. Solo V for bassoon
6. Solo X for horn
7-8. Solo III for flute

Samuli Peltonen : Cello
Hiyoli Togawa : Viola
Piet Van Bockstal : Oboe
Simon Reitmaier : Clarinet
Bram van Sambeek : Bassoon
Marie-Luise Neunecker : Horn
Sharon Bezaly : Flute