It is a very varied output from the sombre arrangement of the Third String Quartet Some aspects of Peltoniemi Hintrik's Funeral March to the lively Nocturnal Dances of Donjuanquixote, an entrancing score for cello and string orchestra.
But if you want to sample this disc, go to track three, the Sunrise Serenade, a restrained work for trumpet, piano and string orchestra that typifies Sallinen's wonderful scene painting as the dark of night is transformed to the light of the new dawn.
The Finnish Chamber Orchestra is conducted by the best known Finnish conductor, Okko Kamu, who first came to international acclaim when he won the Herbert von Karajan competition in 1969. Since then he has conducted almost every major orchestra in Europe and has been a frequent recording artist, among his recent discs has been the highly successful complete recording of the Berwald Symphonies for Naxos.
As cello soloist we have the famous Swedish musician, Mats Rondin, who has again appeared throughout Europe, and though this is the first of his recordings for Naxos, he has already had a long and distinguished recording career.
