School of Rock
Random article All articles A–Z
2 languages

Paavo Berglund

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist

Paavo Berglund · Paavo Allan Engelbert Berglund was a Finnish conductor and violinist, born in Helsinki on 14 April 1929 and died on 25 January 2012. As a child he learned the violin, on an instrument made by his grandfather. At fifteen he knew he wanted to become a musician, and at eighteen he played in restaurants. He studied at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki and in Vienna and Salzburg. From 1949 to 1958 he was a violinist in the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, where he was the only left-handed player and therefore was given an adapted seat. In Vienna the performance of the Wiener Philharmoniker under Wilhelm Furtwängler made a deep impression on him.

Music and breakthrough

His conducting career began in 1949, when he founded a chamber orchestra of his own, and in 1953 he co-founded the Helsinki Chamber Orchestra. He became known as a strict orchestral disciplinarian, through his relentless rehearsals and his pursuit of perfection. He prepared thoroughly, corrected the parts himself and wrote detailed instructions for every musician. In Britain in 1965 he led the Sibelius commemorative concerts of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and became its principal conductor there in 1972, until 1979. In 1979 he also resigned in Helsinki. From 1981 to 1985 he was principal guest conductor of the Scottish National Orchestra. He made more than a hundred recordings, including symphonies by Sibelius and Shostakovich, Finlandia and Smetana's Mein Vaterland.

Influence

Berglund conducted all the major North American and European orchestras and was regarded as one of the most important interpreters of Sibelius. His attention to detail and tone colour showed that even familiar symphonies can sound sharp and fresh again.

Listening

Listening tip. Listen to Finlandia in his recording and notice the contrasts between the dark, heavy brass at the beginning and the lighter, radiant melody later. Hear how precisely he shapes the dynamics.

Discography

Studio albums

Categories: Artists