Erkki Melartin; “Elementtisinfoni“ (Symphony No.6 1925) ~ Jussi Jalas /FRSO

“Symphony of the Elements“ ~ Earth, Water, Air, Fire. This was Melartin’s last completed Symphony. There are fragments of the Seventh (one movement complete), and some very vague sketches for the Eighth ~ yet curiously Melartin stated he had completed his Seventh, Eighth, and Ninth Symphonies... although his deteriorating health counted against this. The Sixth stands out as his most ’Modern’ and atonal, Melartin is certainly striving to break new ground, demonstrating his awareness of quite a few recent trends ~ effortlessly and eclectically incorporating them within his established idiom. Melartin was a great linguist & intrepid traveller to distant parts of the World, deeply interested in things Spiritual & Philosophical. There are undoubtedly hidden depths & meanings to this symphony, it is no mere peace of abstract art. This 1982 performance recorded from a radio broadcast predates the commercially available performance by Leonid Grin, and follows the edition of the symphony published in 1935. The Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra are here conducted by Jussi Jalas (1908-85), a leading Finnish conductor of his day. Jalas studied at the Helsinki Conservatory (Sibelius Academy) from 1923-30, while Melartin was the Director (1911-36). The two men undoubtedly knew each other, Jalas arranging Melartin’s suite for two pianos “Marionettes“ (1899), for full Orchestra. It is possible Jalas was present or even involved with rehearsals & early performances or of the “Elementtisinfoni“. He undoubtedly had first-hand knowledge of Melartin’s style, and may have been able to discuss details of the score/revisions with him.