Product Description This new recording features Kari Kriikku (a physically flamboyant player of Olympian virtuosity The New York Times) as soloist in Uljas Pulkkis both cheerful and meditative clarinet concerto Tales of Joy, Passion, and Love. This colourful works concluding movement, Tales of Love, includes the setting of a poem by Thomas Moore, featuring baritone Gabriel Suovanen as co-soloist. The Romantic and Impressionist dimensions in Uljas Pulkkis music are further showcased in the seven orchestral fantasies of On the Crest of Waves, as well as in the tone poem Vernal Bloom. Ondine herewith continues Kari Kriikkus acclaimed recording series of clarinet concertos, which have been written for and performed by this clarinet muse of internationally acclaimed Finnish composers. Previous releases include concertos by Magnus Lindberg (2006 BBC Music Magazine Award & Classic FM Gramophone Award), Jukka Tiensuu, Kimmo Hakola, and Jouni Kaipainen, with Kaija Saariahos Dom le vrai sens to follow in the autumn. The Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra, here led by its chief conductor Hannu Lintu, has made several award-winning recordings of contemporary music. Review Ondine's recording is both detailed and warmly full-bodied.This may not be music that ploughs the depths of the soul, but our listening life would be gloomy if everything did; Pulkkis offers a cheering contrast, and the infectious enthusiasm of this music should win it many friends. --IRR,Dec'11