TOIVO KUULA (1883–1918)

COMPLETE WORKS FOR SOLO PIANO

ADAM JOHNSON

‘I was introduced to the music of Toivo Kuula in 2016 when I was sent the new edition of Nocturne (or Jouluyö). I was immediately struck by the vast scope of the writing and the space. The more I was sent, the more I was then intrigued by the variety, harmony and imagination of such pieces as Satukuvia, Op. 19, and the light-hearted Schottis and Tanssi-improvisaatio. I have performed full recitals of Toivo Kuula’s works in London venues (including St Martin-in-the-Fields in Trafalgar Square), to delighted audiences, and I have discovered that the reaction to his music is that it is of great beauty and fascination, and stimulates a desire to hear more of Kuula’s work.’ – Adam Johnson

About this Recording

Finnish composer and conductor Toivo Kuula was a student of Sibelius, and pieces such as the majestic Juhlamarssi (‘Festive March’) share the great master’s national flavour while the descriptive folktales of Satukuvia create their own beautifully romantic atmosphere. Kuula’s piano music is notable for its vast array of colour and variety of style, from the melancholy Surumarssi (‘Funeral March’) (from Six Pieces, Op. 26) to the lighthearted Schottis (‘Scottish Dance’), while countless Finnish couples have been married to the accompaniment of Kuula’s Häämarssi (‘Wedding March’).