Smetana: Haakon Jarl

Santtu-Matias Rouvali selects the best from his repertoire as the concert season comes to a close, and with it, his time as an immeasurably popular chief conductor.
Smetana’s Haakon Jarl offers drama from the first note. Dark, doom-laden themes reflect Haakon’s ruthless rule, while bright hymn-like melodies depict the budding faith in a new era. There is much emotion and theatricality as a Nordic legend comes to life in Smetana’s romantic tone.

Recorded for GSOplay in Gothenburg Concert Hall in april 2025.