Pietari Inkinen: Conductor Interview for the 749th Tokyo Subscription Concert

Conductor talks about the next Tokyo regular concert: Principal Conductor Pietari Inkinen

Inkinen's last Tokyo regular concert as principal conductor.
The culmination of his work: the "Clervaux Symphony"

Interviewer: Takuo Ikeda (Music journalist @Iketaku Honpo®)
https://www.iketakuhonpo.com/

Once Pietari Inkinen starts talking about the "Kurllervo Symphony," he can't stop!

　The 749th Tokyo Regular Concert on April 28th and 29th, 2023, will be Pietari Inkinen's final Tokyo Regular Concert as Principal Conductor of the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra, where he will perform Sibelius's early masterpiece, Kullervo Symphony. This will be the first time this work has been on the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra's program in 37 years, since founding conductor Watanabe Akio performed it in 1986. In recent years, Inkinen, no less than Watanabe, who conducted the work's Japanese premiere in 1974 (with the Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra), has considered himself a "missionary of Kullervo" and has performed it with orchestras around the world, so much so that it's hard to stop talking about it.

　"We just had the Czech premiere with the Prague Symphony Orchestra and the Korean premiere with the KBS Symphony Orchestra in Seoul. We've also performed "Kullervo" with the Munich Philharmonic, the Konzerthausorchester Berlin, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, and the Ludwigsburg Festival Orchestra in Germany."

　Why is Inkinen so particular about Kullervo, an early work (Op. 7) by Sibelius that is hardly considered a major work? In May, he will also conduct Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 "Choral," a work that is performed almost daily in Japan.

　"Of course, 'Dyke' is a masterpiece among masterpieces, so it's easy to see why it has become such a popular favorite among audiences. 'Kullervo' has a special color, and as a Finnish conductor, I strongly hope to make further 'diplomatic efforts' to bring it to the ears of as many people as possible. If there are any problems with the work, they are the bloody and harsh story and the strong character of the protagonist, Kullervo. Even so, everyone is moved by the portrayal of the brother and sister at the mercy of fate. It is a meaningful symphony with an exceptional power that is reminiscent of Wagner, and which delves into the essence of humanity. The Berlin audience was clearly shocked."

　In the regular Japan Philharmonic concerts, the soprano and baritone roles are played by Johanna Ruussanen and Ville Ruussanen, who are actually siblings, and the male choirs from the University of Helsinki and Tokyo College of Music will also perform. Inkinen, who is also an opera conductor, has a strong preference for vocal parts.

　"It is encouraging to have the Helsinki University Male Choir join us in the chorus. In the past, we have used sopranos such as Lili Paasikivi, who is well known for her work with the Japan Philharmonic, as well as Monica Kroeb, and we have frequently performed with Wagner singers such as baritones Jorma Hynninen and Jukka Rasilainen. This time, the fact that they are real siblings (although they are brother and sister in the piece) is also a selling point."

　Paavo Berglund, a Finnish conductor who previously guest-performed with the Japan Philharmonic and recorded the first complete Kullervo, made some changes to the score, such as adding more wind instruments. Inkinen's statement, "I will perform it exactly as it is in the original," is largely due to the performance capabilities of the Japan Philharmonic.

　"When we first performed together in April 2008, I was surprised at how much the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra seemed to enjoy playing the unique feel of Sibelius's En Saga. It was the first time I felt at home conducting Sibelius outside of Finland. In the time of Professor Watanabe and Mr. Berglund, they had made edits to the score with the aim of popularizing Sibelius in mind, and I think their performances were quite dynamic. When I performed a Sibelius cycle with the Japan Philharmonic in 2013, I tried to return to the original, highlighting the delicate colors and removing any strain."
　"The current Japan Philharmonic can play with a softer tone, and the acoustics of Suntory Hall are outstanding. Our goal this time is 'more color and less power,' and we want to create music that is even more delicate."

　As we continue to live in harmony with COVID-19, Inkinen says, "I'm feeling the reality of being healthy and able to perform in front of an audience." Let's look forward to the "Clervo" festival, in which he will unite with the Japan Philharmonic, vocal team, and audience.

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Principal Conductor Pietari Inkinen, Final