The much talked of first album from Klaus Mäkelä and the Oslo Philharmonic is released today on Decca Classics. Coinciding with release Mäkelä has featured on the front cover of Gramophone Magazine (UK), Rondo Classic (Finland) and Musica (Italy) and the first reviews are glowing:

“So much of the musical energy of these symphonies stems from rhythm and articulation, from a propulsive sense of inevitability, and that’s something that Mäkelä has mastered to a fault … an uber-auspicious debut.“ (Gramophone, Editor’s Choice)

“Right from the start with the lonely clarinet’s solo in Symphony No 1, you feel the music’s vivid emotions and colouring, soon complemented by singing strings and a body of brass powerful enough to be blasting out Wagner or Bruckner.” (5*, The Times)

“… The result is performances that dig deep in every sense.” (Financial Times)

“Mäkelä shows a consistent depth in his understanding of Sibelius, which is as much based on intellect as sensuality. When the orchestra responds with sonorous splendor, precision and attentive listening to each other, the result is a new reference recording of the Sibelius symphonies … and the high quality of the recording gives us every reason to hope that the love affair between Mäkelä and the Oslo Philharmonic develops into a long marriage.” (Klassekampen)