Ferdinand Ries

Symphonies in Es & No. 3

Sleeve notes in English and German

“Passionately played by the Tapiola Sinfonietta, under Janne Nisonen’s direction, these skillfully-crafted works emerge as noble rediscoveries,” wrote the BBC Music Magazine on the second volume in the ongoing Ferdinand Ries (1784–1838) complete symphony cycle by the Tapiola Sinfonietta and conductor Janne Nisonen. This Vol. 3 includes two delightful symphonies written at the height of the composer’s creative period when the influence of his composition teacher Beethoven was less evident in the composer’s symphonic writing.

The composer’s Symphony in E flat major, WoO 30, sometimes referred to as Symphony “No. 8”, was most likely chronologically the composer’s fifth symphony to be written. Although it was successfully premiered in London and showing influence of Rossini’s popular style, after returning to Germany in 1824 Ries found it difficult to find a publisher for his work. The symphony was performed in Germany one day before Ries conducted the German premiere of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, but it was ultimately published only in the 1830s.

Ries’ Symphony No. 3, Op. 90 – also in E flat major – was commissioned and premiered in London in 1815. Although less dramatic than his early symphonies, this work is noteworthy by its extensive solo writing, most obvious in the third movement, a Minuet featuring a solo violin and a solo clarinet. But shorter passages of solo writing, particularly for the wind instruments, abound throughout this engaging work.

The Tapiola Sinfonietta has established itself as Finland’s premier chamber orchestra. Founded as the Espoo City Orchestra in 1987, it currently has 44 members. The orchestra is known for its adventurous repertoire planning and has been widely acclaimed for nuanced performances across a wide range of eras and styles. The Tapiola Sinfonietta often performs without a conductor, placing an emphasis on ensemble playing and the personal responsibility of each musician. The Tapiola Sinfonietta appears regularly at music festivals in Finland, and tours abroad have boosted its international reputation along with its award-winning discography.

Janne Nisonen is one of Finland’s most versatile and sought after musicians. Nisonen is known especially for his stylish performances of classical and early romantic repertoire as well as a brave proponent of contemporary music. He is a descendant of folk musicians, and there is a certain full-blooded and gritty character in his musicianship. Among other orchestras, Nisonen has conducted the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Helsinki Philharmonic, Tapiola Sinfonietta, Tampere Filharmonia, Turku Philharmonic Orchestra, Avanti!, Tallinn Chamber Orchestra and the Ostrobothnian Chamber Orchestra. Nisonen has recorded exclusively for Ondine.