Jean Sibelius: Symphonies Nos. 5 & 7/Valse Triste

On this CD:

1. Symphony No. 5, for orchestra in E-flat major, Op. 82
Composed by Jean Sibelius
Performed by Danish Radio Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Leif Segerstam

2. Valse Triste, for orchestra (from Kuolema), Op. 44/1 No 01 ("Valse Triste")
Composed by Jean Sibelius
Performed by Danish Radio Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Leif Segerstam

3. Symphony No. 7, for orchestra in C major, Op. 105
Composed by Jean Sibelius
Performed by Danish Radio Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Leif Segerstam

Customer Reviews:

Sibelius: Symphonies 5 & 6.......2007-06-27

This is a wonderful album for a Sibelius fan or any lover of classical music. The sound quality is fabulous, capturing a marvelous performance with crystal clarity. The liner notes are very informative, too!

Hum Along With Colin.......2007-03-27

With the semi-chaos that's become of the recording industry, and as do a few prominent orchestras nowadays, the London Symphony Orchestra is producing and distributing live recordings on their own label. Colin Davis has recorded the entire cycle of Sibelius' symphonies twice in his career; this is the first installment of what may be his third cycle. However, for much of the popular Symphony No. 5, it's "Hum Along with Sir Colin". The No. 6 is one of my personal favorites with a delightfully disarming poco vivace third movement.

I love the performances; the acoustic is decidedly dry, but it complements Davis' cerebral take on these two symphonies. If one can inure themself to the conductor's "verbal accompaniment" in No. 5, these are most enjoyable.

Great sound and playing in Sir Colin Davis' most recent Sibelius 5 and 6.......2005-09-20

This is a beautiful CD in every way, and my first exposure to the LSO LIVE label. I am familiar with this label only from reviews I've read in AMERICAN RECORD GUIDE of Sir Colin Davis's recordings of Berlioz operas, Symphonie fantastique, Harold in Italy, this Sibelius disc, and Sibelius Symphonies 3 and 7. I am very impressed with the whole production: the graphics/design of the disc cover, insert, and program notes on the music and conductor. The disc inside, too, does not disappoint. Both sound and playing are great in this, Sir Colin's most recent Sibelius 5 and 6.

Davis is no stranger to Sibelius Symphonies, having recorded the complete cycle for Philips with the Boston Symphony (Duo Series, 2 double CD sets) in the late 1970s, and again with the London Symphony for RCA (available individually, and in a 7 disc set with other orchestral works). Now, LSO Live has released live concert performances of Symphonies 5 and 6; these are not the same as the RCA recordings. Davis uses lean orchestral textures, and taut, muscular phrasing resulting in Sibelius which is clear and fresh, like ice, or pure crystal: very beatiful and true to the spirit of Sibelius's music and his native Finland.

I have heard the Davis/Boston recording of these works, and here Sir Colin is clearly better in Symphony 5 than he was 25+ years earlier. Symphony 6, previously well played and recorded in Boston, is here very fine, yet different. I can't articulate why the more recent LSO recordings are superior; perhaps longer study with the works at hand, and the presence of a live audience has the London Symphony playing at a higher level than the Boston Symphony had in the studio in the late 1970s.

You can't go wrong with this: grab it while it's still available, and at an almost give away price to boot.

Superb performances of Sibelius's 5th and 6th Symphonies.......2004-08-06

Critics are hailing Sir Colin Davis's ongoing cycle of Sibelius's symphonies as his best (I saw a very favorable review of this recording in The New York Times over a month ago.), eclipsing in quality his critically acclaimed recordings with the London Symphony (RCA) and Boston Symphony (Philips). I haven't heard the CD of the 3rd and 7th symphonies, but am eager to hear it, after hearing these splendid live recordings. Sibelius was one of the few composers who wrote evocatively of nature repeatedly. His most "pastoral" symphony has to be the 5th symphony, with a recurring motif based on swan calls repeating through all three movements. Here Sir Colin Davis does an excellent job capturing the lyrical, dramatic aspects of the score with the London Symphony Orchestra. The more traditional 6th symphony is also well played. LSO Live sound engineers - or rather, those contracted to the LSO - have produced yet another well-balanced live recording that is as fine as any from a recording studio.

Average customer rating:

Elicits a Grin, Not a Groan
Playing of great authority and nobility ...
If you know about other superior performance of the Fifth, please let me know about it!
Unmissable 5th
It seems I've hitched my wagon to Segerstam's Sibelius star.

Sibelius: Symphonies Nos. 3 & 5

Manufacturer: Ondine
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Sibelius: Symphonies 1 & 7 (Helsinki Phil./Segerstam)
Sibelius: Symphony 4/Finlandia/Pohjola's Daughter
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Jean Sibelius: The Tempest, Suites 1 & 2 / The Oceanides / Nightride and Sunrise - Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra / Leif Segerstam
Sibelius: Symphonies Nos. 6 & 7

ASIN: B000632PDQ
Release Date: 2004-11-23

Tracks:

Allegro Moderato
Andantino Con Moto. Quasi Allegretto
Moderato - Allegro (Ma Non Tanto)
Tempo Molto Moderato - Allegro Moderato
Andante Moso. Quasi Allegreto
Allegro Molto

Customer Reviews:

Elicits a Grin, Not a Groan.......2007-07-08

Conductor Leif Segerstam puts his big bearhug around these works in creamily lush and expansive renderings -- steeped in late Romanticism yet brimming with idiomatic Finnish flavor. The Fifth here projects a wonderful, slowly-wrought optimism instead of the abject melancholy found in some other similarly slow performances. The sound from Ondine is absolutely first-rate.

Playing of great authority and nobility ..........2006-10-25

The combination on this album should be ideal: the orchestra that premiered many of Sibelius' own works under the baton of the master himself, led by a Finnish conductor who 'knows his Sibelius', and indeed it proves to be so, at least to the ears of this particular listener.
The orchestral playing on this album - as well as all the others in this truly magnificent cycle of Sibelius' symphonies - is extremely crisp and taut, but at the same time the music is allowed to breath and sing in all its grandure and nobility. Here we have a conductor who really knows how Sibelius should sound, IMHO: noble and with grandure, but completely fresh and natural as if we are witnessing an unfolding and evolving natural phenomenon. If you love Sibelius, then especially the grandiloquent Fifth Symphony will give you goosebumps here, I think.
The orchestral sound is voluminous, resounding and exhilaratingly full-bodied in all instrumental and orchestral registers, helped by a recording that is fairly direct, crystal clear, with all orchestral colors in full focus. All of Sibelius' wonderful melodies are here lovingly caressed in just the right speeds and volumes to give the symphonies a coherence that feels completely convincing and natural (without any disturbing or annoying idiosynchrasies) even when one can't music, like I myself ;-)
But anyway, I do listen to classical music often enough to be able to distinguish between good and not so good out there, I hope, and this recording can indeed IMHO be considered very good, if not simply great.

If you know about other superior performance of the Fifth, please let me know about it!.......2006-02-02

On a Saturday evening in 2003, a great friend of mine, made me listen this version of the Fifth : I must confess after having listened it, I just could not believe it. This is by far, the most amazing, revealing, incandescent and mercurial reading of Sibelius Fifth ever recorded until now.

Segerstam deepened into the essential core of this work, giving us a mythical approach; the epic and strength vision simply has not parallel in the market.

In which the Third concerns, the results are admirable; you would not have to miss this fantastic opportunity to acquire this overwhelming record.

Unmissable 5th.......2005-03-05

The little I heard of Segerstam's earlier Sibelius symphony recordings, on Chandos, din't convince me that he was a distinguished interpreter. Distinctive, yes, with some very slow tempos, but to me it didn't come together. Well, that has changed completely.

This 3rd has some odd tempo choices and some instrumental balances that seem slightly 'off' - but it also has conviction and coherence that are missing from most interpretations. Kamu, Davis' latest, and most of all Vanska are not surpassed, but this is a thought-provoking rendition to complement your favorite.

The gem of this disc is the 5th. Talk about Romantic! Segerstam gets everything right, but more than that, he and the orchestra seem to live this music. I've never before had such a sense of connection with Sibelius' argument and with his emotions. The performance is built as a whole rather than having high and low points, and those chords at the end feel to me like the inevitable conclusion rather than the unsatisfying oddity that they can be. Until now, Karajan's late 70s EMI recording was my favorite 5th, but Segerstam's my man now. If this symphony is up your alley, you owe it to yourself to hear this overwhelmingly beautiful performance.

It seems I've hitched my wagon to Segerstam's Sibelius star........2004-12-01

It began innocently enough, when I first heard Leif Segerstam and the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra perform Sibelius's incidental music to Shakespeare's "The Tempest," combined with two seldom-heard tone poems ("The Oceanides" and "Night Ride and Sunrise"). I was impressed more than enough so that, when Ondine later released a CD containing Sibelius's 1st and 7th Symphonies, it was just natural to add them to my then-small collection of Sibelius works by this conductor, orchestra and label. (Segerstam had earlier recorded the symphonies, with a different orchestra - the Danish Radio Orchestra - on a different label [BIS], but I had not heard any.) As far as I was concerned, this was some of the best Sibelius work I had ever heard, and it looked to me like Segerstam was on a roll. Next came another Ondine release, this time coupling the 2nd and 6th Symphonies (a CD I have yet to comment on).

This brand new release of the 3rd and 5th Symphonies has temporarily distracted me from that 2nd/6th Symphony assignment, and for good reason: not that this release is at a quantum level higher than that 2nd/6th one, which is equally fine and "all of a piece" with his Sibelius work on Ondine to date, but more because these two symphonies (the 3rd and 5th) do represent some interesting challenges that Segerstam meets heads-on and succeeds remarkably well.

The 3rd Symphony, along with the 6th on the previous release, are probably my two favorite Sibelius works in the symphonic genre. Relative to the other five symphonies, they are smaller in scale (perhaps explaining why they are frequently coupled on CDs, although they're not here) and pose interesting interpretational challenges if they are to be properly realized.

It seems to me that, given the spareness of the materials found in the 3rd Symphony, a key to interpretational success lies at least in part in carefully shaping the phrases. The actual notes, in and of themselves, hardly suggest the difficulty of properly realizing the work: one gets the sense that this is an "easy" work for an orchestra to perform, at least at some level of mediocrity. But it is a rather difficult work to realize effectively.

Segerstam, I think, succeeds on every level. His is a reading of finely nuanced control of dynamics and tempo and carefully shaped phrasing. Particularly felicitous is his - and the musicians' - way with the woodwind chorales that make up a fair bit of the work; these chorales are rendered with a fine sense of plangency. (The principal clarinetist, for one, is particularly outstanding.) And, in the concluding pages, Segerstam makes a strong case for this as a "logical" ending, whereas in lesser hands it is frequently simply abrupt.

The 5th Symphony presents fewer such challenges (at least until, again, the concluding pages): much of the work "plays itself." Notwithstanding, Segerstam's reading is one of "logical inevitability" as the music grows organically from the motivic cells that are a hallmark of Sibelius's compositional style. Even more than in the 3rd Symphony, the plangency of the individual orchestral choirs - again, the woodwinds, but also (and especially) the brass - is outstanding. And Segerstam paces the closing measures, with their famous "luftpauses," better than any I've heard.

The Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra could be said to be Sibelius's "home field advantage," and Ondine provides them with crystal-clear sound that readily permits one to follow all the instrumental lines.

This Segerstam cycle represents the fifth - and probably final - Sibelius cycle for me. (Earlier ones include Anthony Collins on British Decca, Colin Davis with the Boston Symphony, Vladimir Ashkenazy, again on Decca, and a rather fine budget cycle on Naxos, with Petri Sakari and the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra, a true "sleeper.") It is the finest cycle I've yet heard, and I eagerly await the final installment of the 4th Symphony. Hopefully its filler will include either "En Saga" or "Tapiola" to match the darkness of the 4th. Actually, both works *should* fit, in the event anyone from Ondine is reading this review. :-)

Bob Zeidler

Sibelius: Symphonies Nos. 2 and 5 (The Karajan Collection)

Average customer rating:

A Farewell to a Grand Partnership

Sibelius: Symphonies Nos. 2 and 5 (The Karajan Collection)
Jean Sibelius , Herbert von Karajan , and Philharmonia Orchestra
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
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Sibelius: Symphonies 4 & 7; Finlandia
Wagner: Orchestral Music from Der Fliegende Holländer, Lohengrin, etc.
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Mozart: Symphonies Nos. 40 & 41 "Jupiter"; Oboe Concerto
Strauss: Don Quixote; Ein Heldenleben; Symphonia Domestica

ASIN: B0009NDKU0
Release Date: 2005-10-25

Tracks:

I. Allegretto
II. Tempo Andante, Ma Rubato/Andante Sostenuto/Allegro/Andante Sostenuto
III. Vivacissimo/Lento E Suave/Tempo Primo
IV. Finale: Allegro Moderato
I. Tempo Molto Moderato/Largamente/Allegro Moderato
II. Andante Mosso, Quasi Allegretto
III. Allegro Molto

Customer Reviews:

A Farewell to a Grand Partnership.......2006-11-06

These 1960 recordings sum up the great music-making Karajan enjoyed with the Philharmonia and the 5th in particular has a freshness which lacks in his later recording with the Berlin Philharmonic. For Karajan collectors, this is a must-have!!!! This is one of the great Philharmonia recordings that solidified Karajan as a top-knotch recording artist.

Sibelius: Symphonies Nos. 5-7; The Oceanides; Finlandia; Tapiola

Average customer rating:

Sibelius: Symphonies Nos. 5-7; The Oceanides; Finlandia; Tapiola

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
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Sibelius: Symphonies Nos. 1-4
Beethoven, Sibelius: Violin Concertos
Mahler: Symphony No. 4
This Is Your Brain on Music: The Science of a Human Obsession

ASIN: B000B668Y0
Release Date: 2006-02-21

Tracks:

I. Tempo Molto Moderato - Allegro Moderato
II. Andante Mosso, Quasi Allegretto
III. Allegro Molto - Un Pochettino Largamente
I. Allegro Molto Moderato
II. Allegretto Moderato
III. Poco Vivace
IV. Allegro Molto

Tracks:

I. Adagio
II. Un Pochettino Meno Adagio
III. Poco Rallentando Al Adagio
IV. Presto - Poco A Poco Rallentando Al Adagio
The Oceanides Op.73
Finlandia Op.26
Tapiola Op.112
Bonus Track 1
Bonus Track 2
Bonus Track 3
Bonus Track 4
Bonus Track 5
Bonus Track 6
Bonus Track 7
Bonus Track 8
Bonus Track 9
Bonus Track 10
Bonus Track 11
Bonus Track 12
Bonus Track 13
Bonus Track 14
Bonus Track 15
Bonus Track 16
Bonus Track 17
Bonus Track 18
Bonus Track 19
Bonus Track 20
Bonus Track 21
Bonus Track 22
Bonus Track 23
Bonus Track 24
Bonus Track 25
Bonus Track 26
Bonus Track 27
Bonus Track 28

Average customer rating:

The #2 OP43, most emotionally evocative

Sibelius: Symphonies Nos. 2 & 5
Jean Sibelius , and Alexander Gibson
Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Tracks:

Symphony No. 2 in D Major Op. 43: I - Allegretto
Symphony No. 2 in D Major Op. 43: II - Tempo andante ma rubato
Symphony No. 2 in D Major Op. 43: III - Vivacissimo; Lento a suave
Symphony No. 2 in D Major Op. 43: IV - Finale: Allegro moderato
Symphony No. 5 in E flat major Op. 43: I - Tempo molto moderato-Allegro moderato
Symphony No. 5 in E flat major Op. 43: II - Andante mosso, quasi allegretto
Symphony No. 5 in E flat major Op. 43: III - Allegro molto

Customer Reviews:

The #2 OP43, most emotionally evocative.......1998-12-17

The transitions in the #2 Op. 43 are managed with distinctness and clarity and yet their subtlety is maintained. This is an exquisite recording.

Average customer rating:

The young Jansons and his eager orchestra acquit themselves well
Robust Sibelius.........

Jean Sibelius: Symphonies Nos. 3 & 5

Manufacturer: EMI Records [All429]
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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Sibelius: Symphony in D No. 2; Valse Triste Opus 44
Sibelius Symphony No. 1; Karelia Suite; Finlandia

ASIN: B000002RVR
Release Date: 1996-04-23

Tracks:

Sym No.3 in C, Op.52: I. Allegro Moderato
Sym No.3 in C, Op.52: II. Andantino Con Moto, Quasi Allegretto
Sym No.3 in C, Op.52: III. Moderato - Allegro (Ma Non Tanto)
Sym No.5 in E flat, Op.82: I. Tempo Molto Moderato -
Sym No.5 in E flat, Op.82: Allegro Moderato - Presto
Sym No.5 in E flat, Op.82: II. Andante Mosso, Quasi Allegretto
Sym No.5 in E flat, Op.82: III. Allegro Molto - Un Pochettino Largamente

Customer Reviews:

The young Jansons and his eager orchestra acquit themselves well.......2007-06-24

This 1994 coupling of the Sibelius Third and Fifth has now been reissued in a budget two-fer by EMI, along with the Second Sym. All performances are vivid and well played. As the reivewer below says, the Oslo Phil. displays an affinity for this music. They are eager and committed, two things that can't be said for Colin Davis's three cycles with the Boston Sym. (Philips) and the LSO (on rCA and the orchestra's house label, LSO Live), which seem a bit stuffy and over-refined at times. Here the music-making is quite fresh. Jansons' tempos stay on the fast side of conventional, which also helps.

Weaknesses? The orchestra's tone lacks weight, and there is a lack of power at times. And although talented, the young Jansons wasn't the equal of Bernstein when he recorded both works in grand style with the NY Phil. on Sony. Jansons' instincts are conventional; therefore you can't expect the originality or supreme authority displayed by such varied conductors as Bernstein, Karajan, Barbirolli, or Beecham. In the bargain two-fer, however, the issue of price comes up, and for the price, these are fine performances. I'd rank them on a par with Rattle and the CBSO, also on EMI.

Robust Sibelius................2001-04-02

In August of 1994, Mariss Jansons and the Oslo Philharmonic recorded the Third and 5th Symphonies of Sibelius. This is an orchestra that has an affinity for Sibelius. You can hear it in the opening of the the Third Symphony...low strings articulate yet robust in tone. This pretty well describes the entire performance of the symphony. It is not an excessively fast performance, but one with a sense of energy and motion. The Oslo Philharmonic is in top form here, with all sections of the orchestra giving their all. The Fifth Symphony is equally well played, with tempi well judged, but the recording seems slightly recessed in comparison with the Third Symphony. Despite this, it makes an attractive coupling, and is well worth having.

Average customer rating:

The most tender and personal Sibelius cycle
Stunning
Vintage Collection!!!
The only Sibelius box you'll ever need?
Splendid Sibelius

Sibelius: Symphonies Nos. 1-7

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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Tchaikovsky: Symphonies Nos. 1-6
Vaughan Williams: Symphonies 1-9 / Boult

ASIN: B00003ZKRM
Release Date: 2000-05-09

Tracks:

Finlandia: Sym Poem Op.26
Karelia Ste Op.11: 1. Intermezzo
Karelia Ste Op.11: 2. Ballade
Karelia Ste Op.11: 3. Alla Marcia
Pohjola's Daughter: Sym Fant Op.49
Valse Triste (From Kuolema - Incidental Music Op.44)
Lemminkainen Ste Op.22: 2. The Swan Of Tuonela
Lemminkainen Ste Op.22: 4. Lemminkainen's Return

Tracks:

Sym No.1 in e, Op.39: I. Andante, Ma Non Troppo - Allegro Energico
Sym No.1 in e, Op.39: II. Andante (Ma Non Troppo Lento)
Sym No.1 in e, Op.39: III. Scherzo (Allgro)
Sym No.1 in e, Op.39: IV. Finale: Quasi Una Fantasia (Andante - Allegro Molto)
Sym No.4 in a, Op.63: I. Tempo Molto Moderato, Quasi Adagio
Sym No.4 in a, Op.63: II. Allegro Molto Vivace
Sym No.4 in a, Op.63: III. II Tempo Largo
Sym No.4 in a, Op.63: IV. Allegro

Tracks:

Sym No.2 in D, Op.43: I. Allegretto
Sym No.2 in D, Op.43: II. Tempo Andante, Ma Rubato
Sym No.2 in D, Op.43: III. Vivacissimo
Sym No.2 in D, Op.43: IV. Finale (Allegro Moderato)
Sym No.3 in C, Op.52: I. Allegro Moderato
Sym No.3 in C, Op.52: II. Andantino Con Moto, Quasi Allegretto
Sym No.3 in C, Op.52: III. Moderato - Allegro (Ma Non Tanto)

Tracks:

Sym No.5 in E Flat, Op.82: I. Tempo Molto Moderato - Allegro Moderato - Presto
Sym No.5 in E Flat, Op.82: II. Andante Mosso, Quasi Allegretto
Sym No.5 in E Flat, Op.82: III. Allegro Molto - Un Pochettino Largamente
Pelleas Et Melisande - Ste From The Incidental Music, Op.46: 1. At The Castle Gate
Pelleas Et Melisande - Ste From The Incidental Music, Op.46: 2. Melisande
Pelleas Et Melisande - Ste From The Incidental Music, Op.46: 7. Melisande At The Spinning Wheel
Pelleas Et Melisande - Ste From The Incidental Music, Op.46: 9. The Death Of Melisande
Sym No.7 in C, Op.105: Adagio
Sym No.7 in C, Op.105: Un Pochettino Meno Adagio - Vivacissimo - Adagio
Sym No.7 in C, Op.105: Allegro Molto Moderato
Sym No.7 in C, Op.105: Vivace - Presto - Adagio

Tracks:

Scenes Historiques - Stes I & II: All' Overtura Op.25 No.1
Scenes Historiques - Stes I & II: The Hunt Op.66 No.1
Scenes Historiques - Stes I & II: Scena Op.25 No.2
Rakastava, Op.14: 1. The Lover
Rakastava, Op.14: 2. The Way Of The Lover
Rakastava, Op.14: 3. Goodnight, My Beloved, Farewell
Romance in C, Op.42
Sym No.6 in d, Op.104: I. Allegro Molto Moderato
Sym No.6 in d, Op.104: II. Allegretto Moderato
Sym No.6 in d, Op.104: III. Poco Vivace
Sym No.6 in d, Op.104: IV. Allegro Molto

Customer Reviews:

The most tender and personal Sibelius cycle.......2006-09-09

Until late in his career, Barbirolli was overshadowed by Beecham, the greatest champion of Sibelius in Britain (perhaps the world). Their performances are very different, Beecham being more confident, extroverted, and showy in his approach, Barbirolli more moody, tender and personal. He was in general a personal musician, taking a long time to gather his thoughts about each score. Certain symphonies here, such as the 4th and 7th, come across with total conviciton--you feel and think along with the conductor.

For many listeners, Barbirolli's Sibelius may now have risen above Beecham's for that reason--it's highly ocmmunicative. His pace is usually measured, and he emphasizes the atmospheric wind solos that flavor this music. Beecham had a superior orchestra in the Royal Phil., but the Halle was sensitive to Barbirolli's nuances of phrasing (we hear a lot of that in the mystical Fourth). The bigger, more popular works, such as the Second and Fifth Sym., can't hold their own for execution against versions from powerful, world-famous ensembles like the Berlin and NY Phil. led by powerhouse conductors like Bernstein and Karajan. But Barbriolli wasn't aiming for the grand effect, even in these works, so there's a special niche for his versions, too.

Relegated to Pye, a secondary British label, these recordings now find a rightful place on EMI. I'm giving five stars even though I am not enamored of Barbirolli's somewhat stodgy Third and underpowered Sixth, nor do I have a fondness for some of the routine incidental music that fills out the set. But it's impossible to over-praise the best of these readings, and the sonics are generally fine.

Stunning.......2004-08-14

(THIS IS A REVIEW OF DISC I ONLY) Believe it or not, I had this as an album (does that give away my age or what?). I played it so much the records became worn so when someone offered to let me borrow the first CD of this set, I jumped at the chance.

There is just the right amount of wintry chill and evocative melodies that personified the the great late-Romantic artist. This was an Angel (EMI) recording that still shines with lots of class. I loved the Karelia-Suite as well as the many short pieces that accompanied the major works.

The Halle Orchestra seems almost perfect in this outing.

Vintage Collection!!!.......2004-01-24

I have this set of splendid Sibelius Symphonies for over a year now.I consider myself lucky to have stumbled upon choosing this set ahead of other more "Reputed"performances by TOP Orchestras under Great Conductors.I have been listening to this set for over a year and the least i can say is that it is nothing short of a Revelation.No other conductor or orchestra matches Sir John Barbirolli's understanding and Passionate intensity(sorry Eugene Ormandy,Leonard Bernstein,Mariss Janson)in these performances with the Halle Orchestra.The Halle Orchestra perform splendidly individually as well as collectively,The strings have an intensity ,the woodwinds have an ethereal character and the Brass are quite simply Majestic.Barbirolli brings out the Heroics,the passionate intensity,the poignance,the Mystical quality,the gay abandon and folklike singing quality in these marvellous orchestral works of Sibelius.The pacing is just right ,lingering in passages of great beauty like in the slow movement of the Fifth Symphony,moving with urgency when required.The music is ever flowing in a seamless way and not just pieced together with studied musicianship.The orchestra breathes a free air with an element of spontaneous music making.
Remember how Bruno Walter turned out splendid performances of Beethoven and Brahms Symphonies with a handpicked Columbia sympony Orchestra!Quite the same here.I am yet to listen to Sir Colin Davis Boston Symphony Orchestra's Performances of these works.I am not sure whether they will measure upto this splendid performance by Sir John.It is not about efficiency or discipline.It is all about BEING INSPIRED!!!Sir John Barbirolli and his splendid Halle Orchestra Musicians are on a different plane,the rarefied realms of the spirit!Noble and Sublime.

The only Sibelius box you'll ever need?.......2002-07-25

"Glorious John" Barbirolli wasn't as well-known for his Sibelius as a couple of other British conductor-knights (Colin Davis and the late Thomas Beecham). But this generous set--all the strictly instrumental symphonies (I don't believe Barbirolli ever recorded the choral symphony "Kullervo"), several of the tone poems, and some of Sibelius' incidental music--shows that he was AT LEAST the equal of Sir Colin or Sir Thomas in this repertoire. And the late '60s recordings still sound fresh today--just like the performances.

Splendid Sibelius.......2001-07-27

Besides being a superb interpreter of Delius, Elgar and Vaughan Williams Barbirolli shows himself in this set to be a most worthy Sibelian. Some may complain that his tempi are slow at times but Barbirolli never fails to make these symphonies interesting and often gloriously inspiring. A big plus is the crystal clear sound; you can really hear those woodwinds (so important in Sibelius) and what an impact those cellos make at the beginning of the bleak and somber 4th symphony. There is also a generous allotment of some of the shorter pieces. Whether this is a top choice will depend on the listener but I think it holds its own against some of the top choices out there including Davis--Boston Symphony (Philips Duo) and Ashkenazy--Philharmonia (London).

Sibelius: Symphonies Nos. 2, 5 & 7; Swanwhite; Pohjola's Daughter; Tapiola

Average customer rating:

A master champion in Sibelius!
Sibelius from the "Velvet Gloved Fingers of Steel"

Sibelius: Symphonies Nos. 2, 5 & 7; Swanwhite; Pohjola's Daughter; Tapiola

Manufacturer: Pearl
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Serge Koussevitzky conducts Prokofiev: Symphony No. 1 in D Op. 25 "Classical"; Danse finale from Chout, Op. 21bis / Shostakovich: Symphony No. 9 in E-flat Op. 7 / Tchaikovsky: Francesca da Rimini Op. 32
Koussevitzky Conducts Brahms
Serge Koussevitzky Conducts Schubert, Schumann, Mendelssohn
Franz Schubert: Quintet/Symphony No.5
Maria João Pires - Le Voyage Magnifique ~ Schubert Impromtus

ASIN: B000000WUY
Release Date: 1993-01-19

Tracks:

Sym No.2 in D, Op.43: I. Allegretto
Sym No.2 in D, Op.43: II. Tempo Andante, Ma Rubato
Sym No.2 in D, Op.43: III. Vivacissimo
Sym No.2 in D, Op.43: IV. Finale (Allegro Moderato)
Swanwhite, Op.54: No.3-The Maidens With Roses
Tapiola, Op.122

Tracks:

Pohjola's Daughter, Op.49
Sym No.5 in E flat, Op.82: I. Allegro Moderato
Sym No. 5 in E flat, Op.82: II. Andantino Con Moto, Quasi Allegretto
Sym No.5 in E flat, Op.82: III. Moderato
Sym No.7 in C, Op.105 - BBC Sym Orch/Serge Koussevitzky

Customer Reviews:

A master champion in Sibelius!.......2006-05-05

The performance of the Seventh Symphony took place on May 15 1933 with the BBC symphony. Such electrifying achievement and highly energetic charge has never been equaled and committed to disc before or late. Perhaps at a very close range I should mention the colossal version of Tomas Beecham in the middle Fifties. But the inner tension, mercurial intensity and febrile concentration you will never find in any other recording.

As I have remarked previously (see my review) my favorite performance of the Second Symphony is the currently unavailable CD of Anthony Collins and the London Symphony. As wisely Robert Layton affirms: "The second symphony possesses a combination of Italian warmth and Nordic intensity." In this case the version of Koussevitzky still remains among the most treasured performances ever recorded. It is loaded of an autumnal noblesse and nostalgic reflections. But you additionally should add the following recommendations: the legendary first commercial version of Kajanus of 1930, Segerstam. Thomas Schippers and the NYC and an almost forgotten performance of Sir John Barbirolli of the Fifties.

The Fifth Symphony has a vertiginous cosmic flight, in its own nature it has that visible elusiveness so typical of a vanishing Farewell. This is one of the top five achievements of this celebrated and beloved work but I must recognize Segerstam `s performance still remains as the supreme hitherto of this Opus.

Tapiola finds in Hans Rosbaud the maximum exponent and Pohjola ?s daughter is an incandescent performance.

In resume, this is a fundamental musical treasure which will preserve the musical memory of this hyper talented conductor.

Go for this double pack.

Sibelius from the "Velvet Gloved Fingers of Steel".......2000-08-08

Although dated in sound, these performances clearly reveal the Boston Symphony and their legendary conductor, Serge Koussevitsky, in stellar form. The interpretation of the Sibelius Second has few rivals, and the Fifth is also an eye opener. Likewise, the Seventh with the BBC Symphony is stunning in it's depth and intensity. Yes, there is some surface noise, and the sound is not the best. But for all it's dated recording flaws, the interpretations are among the very finest available anywhere. The other Sibelius "bon-bon's" on this recording only add to it's enjoyment. If you want to hear revalatory Sibelius, this set is well worth having. (The "velvet gloved fingers of steel" is a reference to the Koussevitsky/BSO's string section, quoted from Harry Elis Dickson's book on Koussevitsky and the Boston Symphony Orchestra entitled, "Gentlemen, More Dolce, Please!")

Average customer rating:

My "imprint" set ...
This and that Sibelius
Inconsistent, but sometimes spectacular

Sibelius: Symphonies Nos. 3, 5, 6 & 7
Jean Sibelius , Vladimir Ashkenazy , and London Philharmonia Orchestra
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Sibelius: Finlandia/Karelia Suite/The Symphonies Nos. 1, 2 & 4
Dvorák: The Symphonies
Brahms: The Complete Symphonies / Karajan, Berlin PO

ASIN: B0000042GW
Release Date: 1998-01-13

Tracks:

Symphony No. 3 In C Major, Op. 52: I. Allegro moderato
Symphony No. 3 In C Major, Op. 52: II. Andantino con moto, quasi allegretto
Symphony No. 3 In C Major, Op. 52: III. Moderato - Allegro (ma non tanto)
Symphony No. 6 In D Minor, Op. 104: I. Allegro molto moderato
Symphony No. 6 In D Minor, Op. 104: II. Allegretto moderato
Symphony No. 6 In D Minor, Op. 104: III. Poco vivace
Symphony No. 6 In D Minor, Op. 104: IV. Allegro molto
Tapiola, Op. 112

Tracks:

Symphony No.5 In E Flat Major, Op.82: 1. Tempo molto moderato
Symphony No.5 In E Flat Major, Op.82: 2. Andante mosso, quasi allegretto
Symphony No.5 In E Flat Major, Op.82: 3. Allegro molto
Smphony No.7 In C Major , Op. 105: ut majeur . C - Dur
En Saga, Op. 9

Customer Reviews:

My "imprint" set ..........2006-03-08

so I'm maybe a little biased, but I love Ashkenazy's Sibelius. Yes, he makes it overly romantic at times, but the music can take it, and in some cases (like the "difficult" 7th) it needs it. The 6th in this set, which is my favorite work by the composer and my favorite recording by this conductor, is a stunning achievement. The weak link of Ashkenazy's Sibelius is the 4th from the other half of the complete set, but this pairing is excellent throughout.

This and that Sibelius.......2001-01-28

Any compilation of symphonies by a single director is bound to disapoint at some level. After all, the director, as any human being, has his favorites, changes his ideas through the process etc.... So joining Symphonies recorded over time, and breaking them apart from their original pairing is risky. For example the original pairing for the 4th of Sibelius was the 5th. For some reason Ashkenazy was able to make a connection between those two dissimilar works, yet key works in a major transition in the life of Sibelius while he composed them. Thus originally the icy cold, unbearably detached performance of the 4th (now somewhere else) was followed by the buoyant quest of the 5th. The pairing made wonders for each work as each one was enriched in the contrast. Now, well, we just have a collection. It is too bad that a brilliant 5th just cannot shine through as it should do. Other collections (Colin Davis e.g.) are to be considered if you just want "all" Sibelius. Otherwise look in the used CD section for the original pairing which deserved a 5 star on its own.

Inconsistent, but sometimes spectacular.......2000-05-13

Ashkenazy is not the greatest Sibelius conductor around, but he has moments of brilliance, and he is aided by a great orchestra and great sound. You could, however, make a case for the interpretation being too "warm" to fully suit Sibelius. While I think this is true in parts, it writes off Ashkenazy too easily.
The Symphony No. 3 is wonderful, perhaps the greatest performance ever. Rugged and idiomatic in the first movement, it reaches levels of almost indescribable beauty in the second movement before finishing with brilliance. Symphony No. 6 is on the same level, with the clarity and transparency of detail of an ice scuplture. The Tapiola that follows is, unfortunately, a disappointment. Ashkenazy seems lost and not quite sure how to develop this almost impressionistic piece.
The second disc opens with a good 5th symphony. Parts of the first and last movements are beautiful and unforgettable, but the middle of the first movement drags and other parts of the symphony seem similarly uninspired. The 7th Symphony reminds me of the Tapiola - Ashkenazy just does not seem to feel comfortable with the music or how to develop it. The disc closes well, with a strong En Saga that has a great string tone and a great sense of the work's sturdy but flowing rhythms.
In conclusion, not as consistent as the companion disc of Ashkenazy Sibelius on Decca. However, while this set has lower lows, it also has higher highs. Highly recommended if you are interested in the 3rd or 6th.

Sibelius: Symphonies Nos. 4, 5, 6 & 7 (The Royal Edition, No. 82 of 100)

Average customer rating:

Sets the standard
Very fine recordings, a worthy addition
Essential Sibelius Recordings

Sibelius: Symphonies Nos. 4, 5, 6 & 7 (The Royal Edition, No. 82 of 100)

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000027NS
Release Date: 1993-09-21

Tracks:

Symphony No. 4 In A Minor, Op. 63: I. Tempo molto moderato, quasi adagio
Symphony No. 4 In A Minor, Op. 63: II. Allegro molto vivace
Symphony No. 4 In A Minor, Op. 63: III. Il tempo largo
Symphony No. 4 In A Minor, Op. 63: IV. Allegro
Symphony No. 5 In E - Flat Major, Op. 82: Tempo molto moderato - Largamente
Symphony No. 5 In E - Flat Major, Op. 82: Allegro moderato - Presto
Symphony No. 5 In E - Flat Major, Op. 82: Andante mosso, quasi allegretto
Symphony No. 5 In E - Flat Major, Op. 82: Allegro molto - Un pochettino largamente - Largamente assai

Tracks:

Symphony No. 6 In D Minor, Op. 104: I. Allegro molto moderato
Symphony No. 6 In D Minor, Op. 104: II. Allegretto moderato
Symphony No. 6 In D Minor, Op. 104: III. Poco vivace
Symphony No. 6 In D Minor, Op. 104: IV. Allegro molto - Allegro assai - Doppio piu lento
Symphony No. 7 In C Major, Op. 105: Adagio - Vivacissimo - Adagio - Allegro molto moderato - Allegro moderato - Vivace - Presto - Adagio - Largamente molto - Affettuoso

Customer Reviews:

Sets the standard.......2005-09-18

For vigor, propulsion, and drama, no one tops Bernstein's Sibelius readings from the NY Phil era. Of these readings, the Fifth Symphony was the knockout in its day forty yers ago, but the whole set is on the same level, with virtuosic playing and big-scale sound. A must buy.

Very fine recordings, a worthy addition.......2001-04-05

I have to agree largely with what the previous reviewer said, though I'm perhaps not *quite* as enthusiastic. For the most part the 6th and 7th are the highlights in this set. The 6th is particularly effective, and though I find Lenny's way with the 7th controversial (one of the noteworthy and appealing aspects of it is its seamless quality, how one section "morphs" into another, but Bernstein deemphasizes this) it is interesting and unique. The 4th lacks the "bottomless" mystery I love so much in this work, and my favorites here are Colin Davis' 1978 account with the Boston SO and Maazel with the VPO. The 5th is very very fine, but again Davis/BSO beats him out, as does Karajan/BPO on DG Originals. Still, these discs are definitely worth owning, and any Sibelius lover who doesn't snap them up is poorer for it. Sound is good and very bright, perhaps a bit close-up, with virutally inaudable tape hiss for those who care so much about those things.

Essential Sibelius Recordings.......2000-09-17

There have been many recordings of Symphonies 6 and 7 made since these 1960s accounts, but none in my experience that get as close to the heart of the music. In the Sixth especially, Bernstein finds a wild, Northern spirit in music which can sometimes seem over-refined. His vigorous tempos in the outer movements make this work much more dramatic than usual. In the Seventh, Bernstein creates huge tension all the way through this one-movement masterpiece. At the magnificent climaxes, you sense that the orchestral musicians really loved playing for this man. However many times I listen to these two Symphonies under Bernstein, I never cease feeling exhilirated.

I'm not quite so enthusiastic about 4 and 5, although this version of the Fifth is widely admired. Throughout, the playing and the sound are in tune with Bernstein's robust approach to these works.

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