Sibelius: Finlandia; Karelia Suite

On this CD:

1. Finlandia, tone poem for orchestra, Op. 26
Composed by Jean Sibelius
Performed by Czecho-Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra (Bratislava)
Conducted by Kenneth Schermerhorn

2. Karelia Suite, for orchestra, Op. 11 Suite, Op 11
Composed by Jean Sibelius
Performed by Czecho-Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra (Bratislava)
Conducted by Kenneth Schermerhorn

3. Lemminkäinen's Return, tone poem for orchestra (Lemminkäinen Suite No. 4), Op. 22/4 No 4, Lemminkäninen's Return
Composed by Jean Sibelius
Performed by Czecho-Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra (Bratislava)
Conducted by Kenneth Schermerhorn

4. Pohjola's Daughter (Pohjolan tytär), symphonic fantasy for orchestra, Op. 49
Composed by Jean Sibelius
Performed by Czecho-Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra (Bratislava)
Conducted by Kenneth Schermerhorn

5. The Swan of Tuonela, tone poem for orchestra (Lemminkäinen Suite No. 3), Op. 22/3 No 3, The Swan of Tuonela
Composed by Jean Sibelius
Performed by Czecho-Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra (Bratislava)
Conducted by Kenneth Schermerhorn

6. Valse Triste, for orchestra (from Kuolema), Op. 44/1 Valse triste
Composed by Jean Sibelius
Performed by Czecho-Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra (Bratislava)
Conducted by Kenneth Schermerhorn

Customer Reviews:

Must buy.......2006-05-16

Superlative seven-CDS hyper-bargain bid from BMG can't never beat that!!Over-all an allround best buy If you snooze you lose

Simply great Sibelius.......2006-05-15

At less than 20GBP, this set offers a most excellent initiation to the world of Johan Sibelius s'masterly work. A nice collection, that includes the symphonies (1--7) with important compositions such as the ever fascinating Kulervo and myriads of "TonePoems". The L.S.O play together with dedication, the sound and direction by sir Colin Davis increase the impression of greatness in the music. I was a little skeptical of the new Davis Kulervo "live", of which I prefer this one on rca, but been of course amazed by the L.S.O.Live powerful versions of symphonies 3 & 7. Otherwise, I generally love this uniformly excellent set, even more so than the earlier cycle in Boston of which I still like, above all, symphonies 5&6. Here, with this rca set, the "highlights" are to be found in symphonies 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6, as well as in a bracing and quite dramatic Kulervo. Among the poems, En Saga and Pohjola really shine along with a wonderful Suite Karelia. Of course everything is not perfection, but who will pretend to be anyway? I recommend highly this important box set, even more than the competitive 5CD Naxos however very good it is. Davis is a master Sibelian, no doubt about that. Kind regards. m.vuriling

Splendid Performances from LSO and Sir Colin Davis.......2004-12-31

This 7 CD set includes all of Sir Colin Davis' second Sibelius symphony cycle recorded with the London Symphony Orchestra in the 1990's, along with almost all of Sibelius' other major orchestral works, most notably his tone poems (Some of these were recorded as recently as 2000 or 2001.). These are impressive, vibrant performances replete with exquisite playing by the London Symphony Orchestra. Critics have praised Davis' first Sibelius symphony cycle with the Boston Symphony Orchestra as among the best; without question, his second symphony cycle is not only just as fine, but comes with better quality digital sound (However, with respect to sound, the best Sibelius symphony cycle that he's recorded may be the recent one with the LSO Live CD label.). I especially enjoyed the recordings of Sibelius' 2nd, 5th and 7th symphonies, and the tone poem En Saga, but all of Sibelius' works in this CD set are quite fine. Those interested in hearing music made by Sir Colin Davis, widely regarded as our foremost interpreter of Sibelius, with one of the world's greatest orchestras, the London Symphony Orchestra, will not be disappointed with this CD set.

Sibelius: Finlandia; En Saga; Valse triste; Karelia Suite; The Swan of Tuonela

Average customer rating:

Is this the greatest Sibelius recording ever?

Sibelius: Finlandia; En Saga; Valse triste; Karelia Suite; The Swan of Tuonela

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Jean Sibelius: Symphonies No. 4-7, Tapiola etc.
Sibelius: Symphonies Nos. 2 and 5 (The Karajan Collection)
Sibelius: Symphony No. 2
Beethoven, Sibelius: Violin Concertos
Bruckner: Symphony No. 7

ASIN: B000AQACWU
Release Date: 2005-09-13

Tracks:

En Saga Op.9
The Swan Of Tuonela
I: Intermezo
II: Ballade
III: Alla Marcia
Finlandia Op.26
Valse Triste Op.44
Tapiola Op.112

Customer Reviews:

Is this the greatest Sibelius recording ever?.......2005-12-14

Is this the greatest Sibelius recording ever?

It may well be.

This particular CD combines Karajan's 1976 analog recordings of four Sibelius tone poems with his 1981 digital recordings of Valse Triste and the Op 11 Karelia Suite. The analog material - Finlandia, The Swan of Tuonela, En Saga and Tapiola - have always been demonstration-quality recordings. This particular CD marks the SEVENTH time I've purchased these recordings: first in their initial USA Angel LP & cassette issues, then as a British LP import, next as a German LP import, again in their initial EMI Studio CD release, once more in their second EMI CD release, and now in their almost-always-better-sounding Great Recordings of the Century series (there are exceptions to that particular rule, BTW).

Why all the copies? Simple: I was constantly seeking out a version that did full justice to the sound that one could tell was inscribed on the original tapes, and I think that finally, finally EMI have got it just about right.

First off, these recordings are very lifelike. They very much represent the Berlin Phil under Karajan that I heard in live performances at Carnegie Hall. And - except for a few intonation problems here and there that were previously buried in various degrees of sonic mush - the execution of the BPO is near immaculate (no clams in the brass!), matching American orchestras in their typical note-perfect playing.

The recorded ambience is also very easy on the ear, but - and this is a big but - the listening perspective on these recordings has now been shifted forward from second row orchestra to the conductor's podium. What I mean by that is that there is much more clarity and transparency in the orchestra than I recall from previous issues (it also helps if you listen to the CD at a slightly boosted volume level). It's a bit like the difference one gets when auditioning a recording on headphones rather than through speakers (in fact, I could swear that I can now hear Karajan - or someone - humming at certain points or urging on the orchestra).

There has also been a re-sequencing of the tracks themselves. Previous issues all opened with Karajan's massive version of Finlandia - an opening track that was sure to grab a listener by the gonads and pull him into the recording. This time around the CD opens with En Saga with Finlandia buried down the track listing. If you've never heard this disc and want to hear what it's all about, you'll play Finlandia first, trust me!

On the subject of this recording of Finlandia, it surely gains from Karajan opting for doubled winds who maintain their sound and texture over the massive strings and brass (augmented by VERY present timpani). Here, Karajan and the BPO launch what has to have set the all-time record for gravitas in Finlandia openings. This is slow, ballsy and brilliant. I can think of no greater compliment to give both Karajan and his orchestra than to say that they here play Finlandia as if it were the most important piece of music ever composed by anyone, ever.

The same "greatest piece ever" philosophy also inhabits the other works on this CD. The Swan, in particular, is hauntingly beautiful, no more so than in the huge string phrases that take over before the English horn's final, plaintive utterances. This is music making on such a high level that one might miss it for the emotional involvement of all concerned. You may find yourself - as did I - immediately replaying this track just to convince yourself that it really was that good.

Likewise, Karajan's 1981 Valse triste surpasses his previous efforts (not to mention those of most others). This is a slow but enervated version of a piece that I just never tire of hearing. However, I will say that the digital sound is slightly less fulsome than that captured on the analog tracks. The Karelia Suite is also of digital origin and reflects the same caveat, though this is picking nits - the recordings are all fabulous.

The real revelation on the disc is Tapiola. Karajan recorded it a few times, and I find this one to be his best if not THE best recording of the piece ever made. If you want to know what the term "heavy classic" means, seek no further. It was once opined that Sibelius' fame could have rested on Tapiola alone, and it may well be that Tapiola recordings may come down to this one and this one alone. It is just that impressive as a recording and as an interpretation.

Seventeen years after his death, it's becoming quite clear to me that Karajan went through something of a golden age in the 1970s. His recordings from that period - particularly his EMI recordings - showcase an orchestra and conductor at the absolute summit of their powers, fully in tune with each other and the music at hand. These Sibelius recordings rank with the very best from that period and are well deserving of the Great Recordings of the Century moniker.

I'd urge you to purchase this disc before EMI consigns this issue to deletion status.

It simply doesn't get any better.

Sibelius: The Complete Symphonies & Tone Poems

Average customer rating:

5 stars for the syms
Beautiful and comprehensive compilation of Sibelius works
excellent collection
A must for Sibelius lovers
A terrific and near-perfect set

Sibelius: The Complete Symphonies & Tone Poems

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Bruckner: The Complete Symphonies
Strauss: Orchestral Works
Debussy, Ravel: Orchestral Works
Liszt: Works for Piano and Orchestra
Symphonies 1-3 / Piano Concerto 1-4 / Isle of Dead

ASIN: B00005MIZT
Release Date: 2001-11-20

Tracks:

I: Andante, Ma Non Troppo - Allegro Energico
II: Andante (Ma Non Troppo Lento)
III: Scherzo: Allegro
IV: Finale (Quasi Una Fantasia): Andante - Allegro Molto
I: Allegretto
II: Tempo Andante, Ma Rubato
III: Vivacissimo - Lento E Suave - Tempo Primo - Largamente -
IV: Finale: Allegro Moderato

Tracks:

I: Allegro Moderato
II: Andantino Con Moto, Quasi Allegretto
III: Moderato - Allegro (Ma Non Tanto)
I: Tempo Molto Moderato, Quasi Adagio
II: Allegro Molto Vivace - Doppio Piu Lento
III: Il Tempo Largo
IV: Allegro

Tracks:

I: Tempo Molto Moderato - Largamente - Allegro Moderato
II: Andante Mosso, Quasi Allegretto
III: Allegretto Molto - Un Pochettino Largamente
I: Allegro Molto Moderato
II: Allegretto Moderato - Poco Con Moto
III: Poco Vivace
IV: Allegro Molto - Allegro Assai - Doppio Piu Lento

Tracks:

Adagio -
Un Pochettino Meno Adagio - Vivacissimo -
Poco Rallentando Al Adagio - Allegro Molto Moderato - Allegro Moderato - Vivace -
Presto - Adagio - Largamente Molto - Affettuoso
Cantata: Oma Maa, Op.92: 'Our Own Land'
Tulen Synty, Op.32: The Origin Of Fire

Tracks:

I: Introductione: Allegro Moderato
II: Kullervo's Youth: Grave
III: Kullervo And His Sister: Allegro Vivace
IV: Kullervo Goes To Battle: Alla Marcia
V: Kullervo's Death: Andante

Tracks:

The Oceanides, Op.73
I: Intermezzo
III: Alla Marcia
I: All'overtura: Grave - Allegro/II: Scena: Tempo Di Menuetto - Allegro Moderato/III: Festivo: Tempo Di Bolero
Tapiola, Op.112
Finlandia, Op.26
Serenade No.1 in D, Op.69a
Serenade No.2 in g, Op.69b (Lento Assai)

Tracks:

Luonnotar, Op.70
Pohjola's Daughter, Op.49
En Saga, Op.9
I. Nocturne
II. Elegie
III. Musette
IV. Serenade
V. Ballade
The Bard, Op.64

Tracks:

Spring Song, Op.16
III. The Swan Of Tuonela
IV. Lemminkainen's Return
I. At The Castle Gate
II. Melisande
IIa. By The Seashore
III. A Spring In The Park
IV. The Three Blind Sisters
V. Pastorale
VI. Melisande At The Spinning-wheel
VII. Entr'acte
VIII. The Death Of Of Melisande
Valse Triste
Scene With Cranes
II. The Harp
III. The Maidens With Roses
IV. Listen, The Robin Sings
VI. Swanwhite And The Prince

Customer Reviews:

5 stars for the syms.......2006-03-18

with the Helsinki
3 Stars for the Bourgemouth on the poems.
But truth be told, no matter how EMPHATIC statements that his syms are not programmatic, that is fall into a logical step by step order, they are just that, very predictible.
I've given these syms 30 yrs, and lately I've lost interest.
While Schonberg, Berg, Webern, Varese were scoring creative new atonal/poloytonal works of new genius, here was Sibelius struggling with old forms, that fail to deliver anything really new. And he knew it, and bothered him to no end.
I feel there is way too much Beethoven/Bruckner(I like neither) influence in the syms for me to become a fan of the syms. I like the 1st sym "somewhat" that is I never listen to it, and small parts of the 4-7 syms. But I'm afraid I only like Sibelius pre 1905, the Kullervo, VC, tone poems. Here is where the genius of Sibelius truly lies.
The syms long ago held some interest, but lately i've moved on to Schnittke and Pettersson.
I also much prefer Vaughan Wialliams syms to all of Sibelius.
Sibelius was a genius in his element, that of representing the folk ideas of his land. His syms are like a string of ideas that lack the connective passages. IOW the whole is less than the few interesting parts.

Beautiful and comprehensive compilation of Sibelius works.......2005-09-29

For me, this has been the year of Sibelius. Previously, I had listened to (and enjoyed) Finlandia. I also had a couple of the symphonies but hadn't listened too them but once or twice. After listening to Finlandia again, I decided to seek out more SIbelius to sample. After some searching through reviews, I settled upon this compilation of works because it offered a large variety of Sibelius and seemed to be well-received. I have been very happy with this purchase! Not only have I spent countless hours listening to each of the 8 disks in this set, the enjoyment of the music has led me to many other wonderful performances of Sibelius by other worthy conductors such as Ashkenazy and Vanska. Still, this boxed set will always be fondly remembered as the one that introduced me to the wonders of so many of these pieces.

I was immediately captured by the haunting clarinet solo that begins the first symphony. All of the symphonies, performed by the Helsinki Orchestra, are recorded in very clear digital sound -- so the solo and the pecussion accompanyment were perfectly captured. I was hooked by the first symphony, but all of the symphonies are presented clearly and with outstanding interpretations. The Helsinki Philharmonic has always had a strong affiliation with Sibelius's music, and Paavo Berglund is a renowned Sibelius conductor who has recorded three separate symphony cycles (once with the Bournemouth Symphony orchestra, the 2nd time with these recordings, and a third time with the Chamber Orchestra of Europe). The commitment felt by the conductor and orchestra comes through in these performances.

In addition to the complete symphony cycle, there are a number of other treasures. A fine version of Finlandia is accompanied by a number of truly delightful tone poems such as Tapiola, the haunting Swan of Tuonela and Lemminkainen's Return (from the Lemminkainen Suite). These tone poems were inspired by the Finnish Kalevala. Other tone poems such as the Oceanides and Spring Song were inspired by Sibelius's love of nature. All receive strong performances by Berglund conducting the Bournemouth Symphony (in analog sound that is still quite good). The violin serenades (especially no. 2) were unexpected delights. The version of Kullervo is magnificent, as is the singing in Luonnotar and Oma maa. This set is a treasure trove of Sibelius treats!

excellent collection.......2004-06-28

This box set includes Sibelius' all symphonies, with Kullervo and his almost complete tone poems. The Symphonies are performed by Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, Kullervo and tone poems with Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. All of them conducted by Paavo Berglund, who always a champion on performer of Sibelius.

Even so there are his incidental musics: Pelleas et Melisande, Swanwhite, Kuolema and King Christian II.
Especially Pelleas and Kuolema (which includes ever famous Valse triste) are the most beautifuls. Pelleas et Melisande is a very impressive music, and the best "Pelleas" music with Debussy's Pelleas (opera).

Kullervo is symphony-cantata for two soloists, men-chorus and orchestra, which be constitued in 5 movements, comparable in artistically with Mahler's 2nd Symphony "Resurrection". Especially the last movement "Kullervo's Death" is very effective, pathetique.

And one more a vocal work, a tone poem for soprano and orchestra: Lounnutar. This is based on Kalevala again, and Luonnotar is creator of nature in this poem. It is a very radical work, like his darkful 4th Symphony and The Bard. I think, The Bard is one of the best works of the composer, with it's harmonis, dark colours, contemplative mood. Still, this was written in tragic E-flat minor. It is based on a mythologic creature which plays an harp, like lyre in Greek mythology. And in the last minutes there is a dramatic climax and then music slowly fades out.

And there is the best Tapiola recording, I've ever heard (with Petri Sakari's version at Naxos). This is based on Kalevala, again. Tapio is the name of the forest god, according story. There are very impressive contrasts between hypnotic, a little hesitated, light colours and dramatic darkful colours. The orchestration is marvellous again. Especially, in last minutes there is a terrific storm scene and it's very spine chilling. Climaxes (which played by brass) are very powerful...

This is a very good addition to collectors of Sibelius fans and any classical music lovers. Highly recommended.

A must for Sibelius lovers.......2003-01-07

Jean Sibelius is one of those composers who I feel that even on his off days he did well. While I certainly can't say I enjoy all of his music enough to buy (Sacaramouche for instance), most of his music is highly pleasureful. All of the pieces on this set, conducted by Paavo Berglund, save maybe one or two, are part of the later catagory.

This set consists of most of Sibelius's major orchestral music, with the notible exceptions of Night Ride and Subrise, the first two sections of the Lemmenkainen Suite, and the Violin Concerto. It also contains such rarities as Origin of Fire, Our Own Land, and excepts from Swan White.

Berglund, I believe, was the first to fully record a complete cycle of Sibelius symphonies. The recordings here are not from his first set (which I have not heard), but the second cycle recorded in the mid-80s. The symphonies and two canatas mentioned above are recorded in digital, while the rest is analog. It's all in very good sound, though not perfect. That they wanted to keep the D and A recodings on seperate discs is the only possible reason I can see for why they left out the Violin Concerto (there's plenty of room on disc 4).

Now of course, contents are one thing, but what really matters is performance. And suffice it to say, they for the most part shine. This has easily the finest Symphony 1 I've heard, and the finale of Symphony 5 (truly one of the greatest works of the 20th century) shines with brillance. Symphony 3 makes its mark nicely, and Symphony 2, while perhaps a bit on the fast side, is certainly up to par. The only disappointment is Symphony 7, which falls totally flat compared to Davis/BSO.

The two cantatas are wonderful rarities, but its disc 5 where the choral aspect is full played out -- Kullervo. If you've never heard this piece, it's a 75 minute long programatic symphony (to use to term losely) with many ups and downs. This was the first ever recording, and most say it hasn't been topped.

The final three discs contain shorter works. Especially noteable are the absolutely beautiful Serenade #2 for Violin and Orchestra, the hauntingly lovely Luonnotar, a very rousing version of Lemminkainen's Return, and a passionate Pelleas and Mellsande.

Of course, it's almost impossible to have this big a set without some disapointments. Beyond the aformentioned Symphony 7, there's also not overly convincing Finlandia, and a WAY too slow Karelia Intermezzo. Thankfully, the rest of the set makes up for it. It's a great deal at only about $7 a disc retail, and if you're like me, on you'll keep coming back to.

A terrific and near-perfect set.......2002-04-05

This release couples Berglund's classic Bournemouth recordings of the Kullervo Symphony and a host of tone poems with his most recent cycle of the Symphonies.

The Bournemouth recordings are legendary, especially the Kullervo, which belongs in every classical music library. There is a real warmth to these readings, which charms me into letting the minor flaws in playing pass. The sound is pretty good, though slightly muddy at times (particularly in Tapiola), and the selections have been excellently remastered.

The Symphonies, recorded with the Helsinki Philharmonic in superb digital sound, are a real peak in the discography. Berglund doesn't play his Sibelius lukewarm; his readings are sharp, neo-classical and very powerful. You won't confuse these recordings with those of Colin Davis to be sure. Very comparable to Maazel's earlier readings with the Vienna Philharmonic, but with less over-dramatization. His First, Second, Third, Sixth and Seventh are as good as any, and his reading of the Fourth, while rather bleak for my taste (I like the idea of some kind of softening at the end) is a coherent vision, almost harsh in it's execution.

I really like Maazel's Pittsburgh Fifth, and Berglund's recording in no way comes close to Maazel's splendor or power as a total conception. But, Berglund's middle movement is the best I've heard by far; the obsessively repeated melody seems to weave in and out of the orchestral fabric very seductively. Berglund's knack for architecture is spot on here.

Tracks:

Symphony No. 1 In E Minor, Op. 39: Andante, ma non troppo; Allegro energico - National Philharmonic Orchestra
Symphony No. 1 In E Minor, Op. 39: Andante (man non troppo lento) - National Philharmonic Orchestra
Symphony No. 1 In E Minor, Op. 39: Scherzo. Allegro - National Philharmonic Orchestra
Symphony No. 1 In E Minor, Op. 39: Finale (Quasi una fantasia). Andante - National Philharmonic Orchestra
The Swan Of Tuonela, From Lemminkainen Suite, Op. 22, No. 3 - Michael Winfield
Violin Concerto In D Minor, Op. 47: Allegro moderato - Zino Francescatti
Violin Concerto In D Minor, Op. 47: Adagio di molto - Zino Francescatti
Violin Concerto In D Minor, Op. 47: Allegro, ma non tanto - Zino Francescatti

Tracks:

Finlandia, Op. 26 - London Symphony Orchestra
Symphony no. 2 in D major, op. 43: Allegretto - New York Philharmonic
Symphony no. 2 in D major, op. 43: Tempo Andante, ma rubato - New York Philharmonic
Symphony no. 2 in D major, op. 43: Vivacissimo - New York Philharmonic
Symphony no. 2 in D major, op. 43: Finale: Allegro moderato - New York Philharmonic
Valse Triste From Kuolema, Op. 44 - Philadelphia Orchestra
Karelia Suite, Op. 11: Intermezzo. Moderato - Philadelphia Orchestra
Karelia Suite, Op. 11: Ballade. Tempo di menuetto - Un poco piu lento - Philadelphia Orchestra
Karelia Suite, Op. 11: Alla marcia. Moderato - Philadelphia Orchestra

Customer Reviews:

Absolutely Superb!!.......2005-11-04

An excellant recording of the most popular pieces by this wonderful composer. The performance of each and every piece is truly stunning and the sound quality of the recording---excellant. A very good introduction to Sibelius.

A little comment !.......2004-08-31

The Second Symphony is a real issue of that overwhelming who was Thomas Schippers . Even if i do not agree with the timings due I consider extremely contemplative , it has personality and expressiveness .
The jewel of the crown is the first symphony , one of the best in the market .
The Sibelius violin concerto remains in the top list of the ten greatets performances in any age . Warmth and poetic rendition .
Finlandia is irrelevant .
So consider this buying worthable for the expossed reasons.

Let's call it fifty/fifty........2003-06-12

Like some of the other reviewers, I am inclined also to rate this compilation mixed fare. I would consider purchase of this two cd set only if it was available at a bargain price. To begin with, I find Thomas Schippers' Sibelius Second hard to take seriously. It seems to be an exercise in theatrics more than anything else. On the other hand, Stokowski's Sibelius First is one of the best performances this work has ever been given. He demonstrates tautness and clarity and an attention to detail that is extremely satisfying. There is also boldness and adventuressness, and not least of all a very pleasing sense of atmosphere. My only disappointment comes in the second movement, where in the quieter pastoral sections I find Stokowski's pace a little too slow, though I still appreciate the attractiveness he displays. In the Sibelius Violin Concerto, Francescatti and Bernstein offer some pleasing moments, though the idiomatic and atmospheric elements are a little shortchanged. Despite this, Francescatti realizes some nicely expressive tonal shadings and accents. A different sort of performance from Heifetz and Oistrakh, but one that stands well on its own merit. Otherwise, I find Hickox's Finlandia presentation somewhat wayward. We should have been given Ormandy's solid and moving version with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, although I could have done without his views here on Valse Triste and the Karelia Suite, especially the latter, which would have benefitted from a livelier, more atmospheric approach.

Brilliant #2...The Remainder of These 2 CD's are Worthless.......2001-02-06

Sony should have re-released only the Schippers on a single CD. This is the most brilliant reading of this difficult symphony I have ever heard. As for #1...Stokowski hit his high point as a conductor with the pap from "Fantasia"...it was all downhill for him after that. The best recording of Finlandia is Sir Colin Davis/Boston Symphony. Richard Hickox is a nullity and his conducting shows that in ample display with this reading. As for Eugene Ormandy and his Karelia...Stravinsky said it best..."Ormandy is an ideal conductor of Strauss waltzes." The Violin Concerto is serviceable, but nothing special...Good playing by Francescatti, but an indifferent accompaniment by Bernstein and his charges.

Not essential for Sibelians.......2000-04-04

I have heard countless recordings of the Sibelius symphonies, so from my perspective as a listener and as a conductor, I would recommend other recordings of these works. Firstly, the tempi in the recordings of the 1st and 2nd Symphonies are generally wrong. Sibelius was one of those composers who was particular about interpretations of his music, with only a slight flexibility. What Stokowski achieves, on the other hand, is a beautiful musical and emotional thread, as he always did. He brought out interesting harmonic balances and shadings in the "Swan of Tuonela" recording that many other recordings of the work lack. The Swan is obviously music that is perfectly suited to Stokowski's typical poetic treatment and wizardry. Zino Francescatti's recording of the Violin Concerto is actually quite good. Bernstein's accompaniment is lovingly dedicated. Bernstein ignores less of Sibelius's tempi here than he usually did. Francescatti is really in top form in this recording, and even though I'm not a big fan of mid-20th century styles of violin playing, I think that Francescatti displays a great deal of integrity, coupled with an obvious Mediterranean passion. This aesthetic is not too far removed from Sibelius's intent, since the composer frequently visited Italy around the time he wrote the work (The 2nd Symphony was actually composed in Italy). However, there's much of the Northern temperament in this work as well.

The recording of the 2nd Symphony is just wrong. Thomas Schippers had little understanding of Sibelius's music, in my opinion. The tempi are mostly incorrect, and the orchestral playing here is dull.

Tracks:

(Cd 1) Symphony No.1 Symphony No4
(Cd 2) Symphony No.2 Finlandia . Karelia Suite
(Cd 3) Symphony No.3 Symphony No.6 . Tapiola
(Cd 4) Symphony No.5. Symphony No.7. En Saga
(Cd 5) Violin Concerto* 2 Serious Melodies*

Customer Reviews:

The performances aren't first rate, but the recordings are.......2006-09-27

As these recordings appeared from 1979 to 1984, it became apparent that Ashkenazy was making a major bid to shift his career from pianist to conductor. As a star on the Decca label, he was given free rein, the company's engineers supplying him with spectacular sonics that sitll hold up for detail, impact, and wide dynamics. Every movement leaps out of the speakers. But the underlying interpretations, to my ear, are haphazard. Like Rostropovich, another great Russian instrumentalist who couldn't quite translate his mastery to the podium, Ashkenazy's Sibelius works by fits and starts. Sometimes he plunges in vigorously, at other times backs away and loses the rhythmic line. There's a lot of indulgent shaping of melodies--in all he's no cometiiton for great Sibelians like Karajan, Beecham, and Bernstein. Boris Belkin, the soloist in the Violin Concerto, is precise and extroverted but no match for the illustrious soloist--Heifetz, Shaham, Kremer, Oistrakh, etc.--who preceded and followed him.

Even so, the general thrust of Ashkenazy's readings is vigorously energetic, so I prefer hi to latter-day Colin Davis, and the Philharmonia plays much better than the various Scandinavian orchestras that produce most Sibelius recordings today. If you want to be thrilled by sheer sound, this bargain set--all the cheaper on the used market--can't be beat.

Fire and ice ..........2006-01-31

The glorious First Symphony in this Sibelius Cycle for this particular listener immediately sets the scene: bold and full-bodied playing, truly opening up all the warmer and darker sentiments of Sibelius' music, which to my ears has always, underneath a certain 'cool reserve', been deeply emotional and deeply 'human': how very 'Northern' in its sensibilities. Fire and ice. How intensely sweet and sad at the same time the main theme of the andante is played here! Ashkenazy and the Philharmonia Orchestra to my feeling dig deeply into all the emotions, really making the heart-strings of this particular listener resonate. The orchestral playing is both powerful/'muscled' and flowing, with nice legato. The same can also be said for the performances of the other symphonies. I will mince no words: just buy this if you love Sibelius' symphonies recorded in full, wide and directly recorded sound (typically Decca/London?), played in an unabashedly bold (romantic) way, letting bloom to the full all of the emotions.
But if you love this, I urge you to sample the (recent) Sibelius cycle by the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Leif Segerstam (on Ondine). These lively, fresh but sturdy and full-bodied, romantic interpretations by Segerstam and the orchestra that premiered many of Sibelius' works under the composer's own direction, are simply revelatory (well, certainly to the ears of this particular amateur listener) and at least as well played - helped by a typical (for Ondine) crystal clear, perfectly balanced soundpicture.

Great Sibelius among much great Sibelius.......2005-11-11

There is no dearth of great Sibelius cycles - many are very good and all are less controversially regarded as good than most cycles of other symphonists. Small countries have gone to war over which Mahler cycle is the best, families have separated over Bruckner questions along Wand vs. Celibidache vs. Jochum lines... and small arms fire must on occasion decide which LvB cycle is primatur.

No such emotions when it comes to the cool Sibelius symphonies. Wouldn't be prudent. Too much good stuff is out there... and even if it were not the necessary top choice, few lovers of Siblius would claim not to be able to live with any of the three Colin Davis cycles or Osmo Vanska's or the almost-complete Karajan cycle on DG or Berglund's EMI traversal. Some English people might even accept the Rattle cycle as sufficient - and only a few people would sneer at the Barbirolli set of Sibelius' 7... although that's already one step out of the mainstream.

I personally hold Vanska in the highest regards - but Vladimiar Ashkenazy makes a good point in his recordings for those who claim he's a better conductor than a pianist. Indeed, if price is to play an issue, too, I'd place his cycle at the very top of my list. He's improved as a conductor over the years, but in this one he was already ahead of himself. It is solidly played throughout all the symphonies and then some. Not as 'safe' as Jaervi in either of his two cycles, not quite as all-out as Vanska. Cool but with northern fire. Excellent attacks and a lyrical side. In the reissue Decca threw in the tone poems and the violin concerto - all at a great price. These performances might be supplemented in individual symphonies according to ones own taste and preference - but they leave little to desire and I can only wish that I would have had them as my first and basic Sibelius set instead of Maazel. (No offense, Lorin!)

Very much recommended.

Sibelius: Karelia, Tapiola, Les Oceanides, Valse Triste, etc. / Davis, London SO

Average customer rating:

Finland's favorite son
Very Enjoyable
Excellent recording
Karelia -- where's the snap?
Sensitive,beautifully played & recorded performances

Sibelius: Karelia, Tapiola, Les Oceanides, Valse Triste, etc. / Davis, London SO
Colin Davis
Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Sibelius: Symphonies Nos. 5 & 6

ASIN: B00000IFOG
Release Date: 1999-04-13

Tracks:

Karelia Suite, Op. 11: Intermezzo
Karelia Suite, Op. 11: Ballade
Karelia Suite, Op. 11: Alla marcia
The Ocanides, Op. 73
Finlandia, Op. 26
Valse Triste
Tapiola, Op. 112
Nightride & Sunrise, Op. 55

Amazon.com

Sir Colin Davis's outstanding series of Sibelius's symphonies for RCA continues with a program of the Finnish master's tone poems, which include some of his finest music. The late Tapiola, for example, is a brooding meditation on the mysteries of Scandinavia's vast forestlands, replete with harmonic ingenuity and imaginative orchestral colors. The early Karelia Suite charms, the familiar Finlandia bristles with patriotic fervor, and Davis makes the seductive Valse Triste sing its sad song with poignant restraint. Throughout the varied program, he captures the often chilly mysteries at the core of Sibelius's music. A very desirable release, made even more fetching by Tony Faulkner's lifelike engineering. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

Finland's favorite son.......2006-04-05

Jean Sibelius, the favorite son of Finland, often wrote programmatic music using mythology, political themes, and scenic imagery of his homeland. This disk offers six such works spanning his entire career: Karalia Suite, The Oceanides, Finlandia, Valse Triste, Tapiola, and Nightride and Sunrise.

The 15-minute Karelia Suite is taken from a larger 50-minute work, a composition from Sibelius' youth. Karelia is the wide border between Finland and Russia, the center of the epic Finnish tale Kalevala, which Sibelius wrote an early choral symphony on. The three movements show youthful simplicity and classical tendencies: Intermezzo, a gentle march with distant horn calls, Ballade, a melancholy chorale with many textures, and March, a joyful and optimistic march, both gentile and nave. The Oceanides recall the sea-nymphs from the Kalevala myth, although this is also believed to have some root in Homeric mythology. At 11 minutes, light oscillating strings, a flute duet, 2 timpani, and 2 harps, slow harmonic rhythms, and the shimmering, Impressionistic qualities give the work a gentle feel. The most famous work, Finlandia, speaks of the repression of the Russian hold over Finland, but the hope of independence soon follows (which Finland got in 1917) with the famous chorale. Angry and dissonant brass and timpani open the work, surrounded by a menacing string melody. A rhythmic section is taken up, first gloomily, but a triumphant march, a peaceful chorale, and an exultant finale, conclude the Nationalistic work.

Valse Triste, 6 minutes, is a work meant to accompany a Finnish play entitled "Death"; dreaming of dancers and dancing, an old woman hears a knock...Death. This is a sad, slow waltz with long, languorous lines. The work becomes more and more up beat in tempo as time passes, nearly impassioned; but the work ends intimately, as the story suggests. Tapiola, a character from Kalevala, is the god of the forests. Described as "ancient, mysterious, brooding", loneliness...the 18 minute poem musically depicts just that. A mighty, heroic opening, almost fearful, dissonant and chromatic leads to a fantastical dance of the wood nymphs. An aggressive battle of magic progresses, with blazing brass, but all ends calmly in strings. Nightride and Sunrise tells of a man's night journey through a gloomy forest, a forest with strange sounds and foreboding, but eventually dawn appears, and the gloom is dispelled. The piece is infested with galloping strings, coming across various interruptions (counterpoint, polyrhythms, a long woodwind solo) that are somewhat scary. Visually, this is the most vivid, visually descriptive, and dramatic of the works.

Sir Colin Davis and the London Symphony Orchestra have received some flack for their series of Sibelius works on RCA Red Label. Suffice to say, this one works better than others. The interpretations are good, the tempo choices are intelligent, and the programming of the CD, offers a nice variety of music. The playing seems as if the ensemble was having an off day: odd wind timbres at times, brass tuning and balance are shifty in places, but the RCA recording features odd balances, favoring strings and brass. However, there are some great moments on this CD, and despite those recording issues, is a good CD. 77 minutes of neat, programmatic Sibelius music, dramatic and personal, especially his devotion to Finland, is genuinely portrayed here. Compare with his older recordings with the BSO.

Very Enjoyable.......2004-07-16

Davis has acquired a considerable reputation in recent years as a conductor of Sibelius works. This is a very nice recording of some of Sibelius' shorter orchestral works. The performances feature the lush romanticism of Sibelius work but without exaggerating the tempi or balance of the orchestra. Others may prefer more dramatic renditions but these are fine performances of enjoyable works. A nice feature is that the disc includes both very well known and less frequently performed pieces.

Excellent recording.......2002-09-03

This disc features an eclectic group of works: on one hand, three well-known, instantly likeable compositions which serve as a nice introduction to the music of Jean Sibelius (Karelia suite, Finlandia, Valse triste); on the other, three elaborate and multi-layered pieces that, although not too hard to appreciate at first, reveal most of their secrets after several listens (Oceanides, Tapiola, Nightride and Sunrise). Davis obtains beautiful sonic textures from the LSO: this is one of those discs that beg to be listened to with headphones. The recording ends with the musical adventure that is Nightride and Sunrise - a piece which, even if you've listened to it many times, remains unpredictable. From the first minute to the last, this is an excellent disc.

Karelia -- where's the snap?.......2000-05-02

I just bought the old Davis/BSO Sibelius symphonies, based on reputation. I should have listened to them first. The performances feel lifeless, and I feel the same way about his Karelia on this recording. Do yourself a favor -- get Sir Charles MacKerras' recording of the 2nd Symphony + Karelia + Finlandia, and listen just to the Intermezzo from Karelia and compare it to this, and you will understand what I am talking about. And if you want to compare Davis to someone who takes the Intermezzo at something like his tempo, try the old Barbirolli recording with the Halle Orchestra. Even though Barbirolli is little, if any, faster, there's life in his music-making that is totally absent in Davis' version.

Sensitive,beautifully played & recorded performances.......1999-11-22

Finlandia lasts one minute more than Davis' 1976 Boston performance-remarkable in an eight minute work! It blazes less than before, but is incredibly heartfelt and very powerful. So the rest of the collection goes; Night Ride is pretty calm but seems more logical and essentially "Sibelian" than most other performances. The sound is both clear and full. Rather than sounding efficiently generic, the LSO produces crystalline textures and broadly powerful climaxes.

Sibelius: Finlandia Op26/7; Karelia Op11

Average customer rating:

An admirable collection of musical treasures!
Great Sibelius from Ashkenazy with Philharmonia
very good recordings
Great Music, Sturdy Performances

Sibelius: Finlandia Op26/7; Karelia Op11

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Sibelius: Finlandia/Karelia Suite/The Symphonies Nos. 1, 2 & 4
Mozart: The Great Serenades

ASIN: B0000041L7
Release Date: 1997-08-26

Tracks:

Finlandia, Op. 26 No. 7 - Jean Sibelius
Karelia Suite, Op. 11: I. Intermezzo - Jean Sibelius
Karelia Suite, Op. 11: II. Ballade - Jean Sibelius
Karelia Suite, Op. 11: III. Alla marcia - Jean Sibelius
Luonnotar, Op. 70 - Jean Sibelius
Tapiola, Op. 112 - Jean Sibelius
En saga, Op. 9 - Jean Sibelius

Tracks:

Night-Ride And Sunrise, Op. 55 - J. Sibelius
Pohjola's Daughter, Op. 49 - J. Sibelius
Four Legends From The Kalevala, Op. 22: I. Lemminkainen And The Maidens Of Saari - J. Sibelius
Four Legends From The Kalevala, Op. 22: II. The Swan Of Tuonela - J. Sibelius
Four Legends From The Kalevala, Op. 22: III. Lemminkainen In Tuonela - J. Sibelius
Four Legends From The Kalevala, Op. 22: IV. Lemminkainen's Return - J. Sibelius

Customer Reviews:

An admirable collection of musical treasures!.......2005-12-03

Sibelius Finlandia must signify to his citizens the same meaning that Elgar `s Pomp and circumstance for the British people, the final expression of fervent, passionate and fevered feeling of brotherhood and national fervor. Vladmir Ashkenazy achieved an incisive and towering performance with the members of one of my beloved orchestras ever: The Philharmonia Orchestra. He extracted the musical vein in its whole expression and exultant boiling.

Karelia was also another artistic achievement, having in Colllins the maximum peak until this date. This version could be my second choice.

Tapiola Op. 112 ha a winner: Hans Rosbaud and Berlin Philharmonic in 1957 but Ashkenazy transmits us the essential and reminiscent echoes of Debussy 's La mer and obviously his Fourth Symphony through his intense performance. En Saga, in the glorious baton of Collins is simply unsurpassed, but this version is mercurial and very propulsive. Luonotar, Op. 70 is an exquisite version.

But what it is really worthy to remark is this sense of full aristocratic and committed approach; the horns, woods and strings of this Orchestra are pure gold. A colossal artistic triumph, and perhaps the major musical achievement of Ashkenazy as conductor, until this date.

Horst Stein conducted a very heartfelt performance of this superb musical treasure of Sibelius: The Four Legends are performed in just few opportunities. However, Erik Tuxen made a historical register in the early Fifties with the Royal Danish that still belong to the most prominent achievement ever made of this mythical work.

Pohjola 's Daughter has serious rivals: Koussevitzky and Toscanini and the night-Ride and Sunrise found in Essa Pekka Salonen a distinguished interpreter

In sum, an album to be collected, because in just two CD's for Sibelius newcomers constitutes a notable contribution and a very complete approach to the work of this noted composer: the most conspicuous and beloved musical son of Finland: Jean Sibelius.

Great Sibelius from Ashkenazy with Philharmonia.......2005-05-05

Before I launch into my review, I would like to make it clear that I do not actually have this album. I do, however, have two other albums of Ashkenazy/Philharmonia that are not listed on Amazon, which include the works Symphony No. 4, Luonuotar, Finlandia (twice), Karelia Suite, Tapiola, and En Saga.

Ashkenazy conducts Sibelius better than anyone else I have heard. Under his baton, the music is more exciting, more colorful, and far more alive than I have heard it elsewhere. His interpretation of Finlandia is the only one that I will listen to; nothing else even compares. These are recordings that I would trust to the ends of the earth.

Ashkenazy's instrument for the recordings I refer to is the incredible Philharmonia Orchestra of London. They are well up to the task, technically, musically, and sonically. Every section is filled with color. The strings are beautiful and lush (with VERY powerful bassi), winds have a very dark sound with much more presence than I often hear elsewhere, and brass are more alive, have more blend, and are more together than virtually anyone else I have heard - certainly more so than anyone else I've heard play Sibelius.

I highly recommend all recordings of Sibelius by Ashkenazy with the Philharmonia Orchestra, without reservation.

very good recordings.......2003-09-22

This box set contains, all famous symphonic poems of Sibelius...

i think, especially, The Night-Ride and Sunrise and Leminkainen in Tuonela (No. 3 of suite) is best tracks in CD 2, perhaps these are among in Horst Stein's all recordings...L'Orchestre de la Suisse Romande (the orchestra of E. Ansermet) is very good...

In CD 1, all works recorded by Ashkenazy and his PO. Already, his all Sibelius recording are very good, and especially the performances of Finlandia and Karelia are best.

And Elisabeth Sodeström is very good on Luonottar. This is a lied-symphonic poem and not too known, but very interesting music. And based on famous Kalevala epic...

However, the tempos of "En saga" is very slow (aproxx. 20 min.)
But not bad. This symphonic poem is Sibelius' first succesful work and hasn't a programme.

In other words: this box set (at this price) very good and highly recommended for all Sibelius fans.

Great Music, Sturdy Performances.......2002-01-10

With some composers, it seems that when it is a matter of writing symphonies, the music is a little graver, a little rhetorical, perhaps even a little long-winded and heavy-footed; but when such a composer turns to symphonic poems, or dances/ballet, the music is more imaginative, lighter in spirit and surer of foot, or even in some cases, just plain more inspired.

While Sibelius managed to write brilliant and engaging music in both "spheres," there are times when I feel [parts of] the symphonies are a little ruminative, a shade too self-absorbed ... and it is then that I find the tone-poems - in which he often, simply, sang, and sang for the sheer joy of singing - especially welcome.

This recording is one of those re-issues, which were originally two separate releases; so we have two different conductors, and two different orchestras, to discuss.

In general, I am not mad about Ashkenazy as a conductor; and in a sense, this recording is no exception ... I don't walk away thinking, "Wow, what a great conductor." But he is certainly a competent musician, and he does a creditable job here; the Philharmonia sounds fine for the most part. The brass are a little edgier in "Finlandia" than I quite like; and towards the end, the timpani are a little too wild. But on the whole, neither "Finlandia" nor the Karelia Suite is done any great hurt on the Ashkenazy half of this set.

The bright gem on this disc is "Luonnotar," a restless folk-ballad for soprano and orchestra. Elisabeth Söderström is splendid here. "Tapiola" and "En Saga" come across well, too.

Not a disc that you walk away saying, "Wow, what a great conductor"; but, "Wow, what great music."

Tracks:

Symphony No.1 In E Minor, Op.39: I. Andante ma non troppo - Allegro energico - Sibelius
Symphony No.1 In E Minor, Op.39: II. Andante (ma non troppo lento) - Sibelius
Symphony No.1 In E Minor, Op.39: III. Scherzo: Allegro - Sibelius
Symphony No.1 In E Minor, Op.39: IV. Finale (quasi una fantasia) - Sibelius
Symphony No.4 In A Minor, Op.63: I. Tempo molto moderado - Sibelius
Symphony No.4 In A Minor, Op.63: II. Allegro molto vivace - Sibelius
Symphony No.4 In A Minor, Op.63: III. tempo largo - Sibelius
Symphony No.4 In A Minor, Op.63: IV. Allegro - Sibelius

Tracks:

Symphony no. 2 in D major, op. 43: I. Allegretto - Jean Sibelius
Symphony no. 2 in D major, op. 43: II. Tempo Andante, Ma Rubato - Jean Sibelius
Symphony no. 2 in D major, op. 43: III. Vivacissimo - Jean Sibelius
Symphony no. 2 in D major, op. 43: IV. Finale - Jean Sibelius
Finlandia, Op. 26, No. 7 - Jean Sibelius
Karelia Suite, Op. 11: I. Internezzo - Jean Sibelius
Karelia Suite, Op. 11: II. Ballade - Jean Sibelius
Karelia Suite, Op. 11: III. Alla Marcai - Jean Sibelius

Customer Reviews:

Top Recommendation.......2001-08-09

Sibelius' symphonies have often been represented as austere and sparsely-textured works, and this is in many ways true. However, at heart, and behind the 'profound logic' which pervades these exsquisitely structured masterpieces, Sibelius was at heart a romantic. These recordings from Ashkenazy, along with his readings of the Rachmaninov symphonies, are perhaps his most successful in the role of conductor. He approaches them from a different perspective to, say, Rattle or Sir Alexander Gibson (with the SNO on Chandos, and also thoroughly recommendable in his own right), infusing the music with a greater sense of expressive warmth, in addition to his powerful control of structure and almost flawless choice of tempi. Reservations are few and far between. Perhaps Ashkenazy allows a bit much passionate ardour into the great climaxes of the highly romantic first symphony, but this may not seem inappropriate to all listeners. Along with the earlier cycle from Colin Davis with the Boston Symphony (also available on two double cd sets from Philips), a firm recommendation.

Good, sometimes great Sibelius.......2000-05-07

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 true in parts, it writes off Ashkenazy too easily.
Symphony No. 1 is good, with a strong sense of rhythm and well-defined counterpoint. It is let down in places by sappy, ultra-romantic string playing, particularly in the first and last movements. Symphony No. 2, which was composed in a similar style to No.1, fares better. The details of the music come through vividly, but the string playing is not overdone. The "big tune" in the last movement is truly stirring and engaging. Symphony No. 4, probably the bleakest and coolest of Sibelius' symphonies, is more successful than the 1st but not as successful as the 2nd. There is just that extra degree of tension missing. The set is filled out by two of Sibelius' shorter orchestral works - the Karelia Suite and the ever-popular Finlandia. The Finlandia is superb, one of the best recordings ever. The brass really bite, and Ashkenazy conveys the patriotic furvor that made the Russian authorities of the time ban the work. The Karelia Suite goes from charming to exciting to beautiful without missing a step. The ballade section is absolutely gorgeous.
In conclusion, I would not want these to be my only Sibelius recordings, but there is still lots of good stuff here. Worth checking out.

Jean Sibelius: Orchestral Favourites with Photo Album

Average customer rating:

Essential Sibelius!!!

Jean Sibelius: Orchestral Favourites with Photo Album

Manufacturer: Ondine
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Tracks:

1. Intermezzo
2. Ballade
3. Alla Marcia
Valse Triste, Op. 44/1
Pohjola's Daughter, Op. 49
The Swan Of Tuonela, Op. 22/2
Andante Festivo
The Oak Tree
Caliban
Miranda
Finlandia, Op. 26/7

Customer Reviews:

Essential Sibelius!!!.......2006-02-28

The "Orchestral Favorites with Photo Album" CD on the Ondine label is an excellent beginners guide to the music of the great Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. While some essential pieces are missing here (notably excerpts from his monumental symphonies), this disc still offers some prime examples of Sibelius's best work including the Karelia Suite, his Valse Triste, the tone poems "Pohjola's Daughter" and "Swan of Tuonela", excerpts from "The Tempest" play and his all-time classic opus "Finlandia" which is taken at a slightly slower tempo than usual on this disc. Of special interest to die-hard Sibelians is the inclusion of the "Andante Festivo" which is conducted by Sibelius himself. This 1939 recording is not only notable for featuring the composer as conductor, it is also the only recording that exists of Sibelius interpreting his own music - a defining historic moment that is worth the price of this CD alone.
In addition to the excellent music heard here, this CD also includes a generously compiled 42-page photo album which features many historic photos of Sibelius throughout his lifetime from childhood to retirement. The booklet also includes a detailed essay on Sibelius's life and a timeline of key moments in the composer's career.
This is definitely a well-put together document both musically and visually of this masterful genius. The music as well as the booklet are a fascinating look at the life and work of Jean Sibelius.
Highly Recommended!!!
For another excellent introduction to Sibelius's music, I also recommend the "Greatest Hits" disc on Sony Music. While the Sony disc duplicates some of the pieces included here, it does include excerpts from masterpieces not featured here such as music from the symphonies and violin concerto.

Average customer rating:

Great, except for the concerto
Superb 5th of Sibelius
Magnificent
Excellent Compilation, unbeatable price
Great compilation

Panorama: Jean Sibelius

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Panorama: Sergey Prokofiev
Panorama: Felix Mendelssohn
Panorama: Franz Schubert
Vaughan Williams: Symphony No. 5, etc.
Panorama: Frederic Chopin

ASIN: B00004XN6L
Release Date: 2000-10-17

Tracks:

Karelia Suite, Op. 11: Intermezzo. Moderato - Helsinki Radio Symphony Orchestra
Karelia Suite, Op. 11: Ballade. Tempo di menuetto - Helsinki Radio Symphony Orchestra
Karelia Suite, Op. 11: Alla marcia. Moderato - Helsinki Radio Symphony Orchestra
Valse triste
The Swan of Tuonela, op. 22 no. 3
Symphony no. 2 in D major, op. 43: Allegretto
Symphony no. 2 in D major, op. 43: Tempo andante, ma rubato
Symphony no. 2 in D major, op. 43: Vivacissimo -
Symphony no. 2 in D major, op. 43: Finale. Allegro moderato

Tracks:

Finlandia, op. 26
Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D minor, op. 47: Allegro moderato - Christian Ferras
Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D minor, op. 47: Adagio di molto - Christian Ferras
Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D minor, op. 47: Allegro ma non tanto - Christian Ferras
Symphony no. 5 in E flat major, op. 82: Tempo molto moderato -
Symphony no. 5 in E flat major, op. 82: Allegro moderato
Symphony no. 5 in E flat major, op. 82: Andante mosso, quasi allegretto
Symphony no. 5 in E flat major, op. 82: Allegro molto

Customer Reviews:

Great, except for the concerto.......2004-08-29

The orchestral works by Sibelius are excellent. Very dark and heavy, but dramatic and powerful. The Berlin Philharmonic is excellent on this recording.

It would warrant five stars except for the recording of the violin concerto. I can hear that with a good violinist playing (unfortunately, I don't have any other recordings) it could be beautiful, but Christian Ferras at times uses so much vibrato that you can barely hear the pitch (he has one of those wide and fast vibratos that make you shiver). For instance, in the first minute or so of the first movement, there is a hauntingly beautiful violin melody against a sparse orchestral accompaniment, yet Ferras butchers it by playing far too loud and with far too much vibrato. Ferras plays the showy sections correctly technically, but musically he makes them sound terrible. He doesn't make them fit in with the rest of the concerto; he makes some sections sound almost like etudes.

The rest of the CD is great. Enjoy.

Superb 5th of Sibelius.......2004-06-04

Alot of people just don't understand how great Herbert K really was...Sibelius himself said he was the only conductor who fully understood his music! Add to that the intensity of tone and wonderful focused sound of the Berlin Phil and you have a group that seemed designed to perform Sibelius..

The Valse Triste of Sibelius has never been played better by anyone..only Beecham is the competitor in this field...Kamu is super in the Second and generates alot of electricity...he is a very underrated musician today..Check Kamu out with Berwald on Naxos.

Magnificent.......2004-05-19

On the Sibelius Violin Concerto with Christian Ferras. Astonishingly underrated. I was quite overwhelmed by it. (Only David Oistrakh is any thing like as good.) None of the showy scraping `gypsy' violin style, just nobility, power, strength and seriousness, which is just what Sibelius is said to have wanted. Apparently, Sibelius marked a slower tempo in the first movement than he might have done just to deter violinists from using it for virtuoso display. Ferras plays this piece as if it were a symphony: passionate with a superb full tone and magnificent intonation. Very good recording quality too. Karajan gives him just the right support: dark, powerful, purposive. Ferras isn't quite as well known these days as some other violinists - this may be partly owning to the fact that he died comparatively young, aged only 49 in 1982. I can't recommend it too highly. The Karajan Sibelius 5 is well-known as superb. Just list to the horns at the beginning of the last movement. Kamu's Sibelius 2 is less well-known, but is magnificent. The Berlin Phil brass play wonderfully, as do the rest of the orchestra - the ending, as is not always the case manages to be infinitely powerful without being bombastic.

Excellent Compilation, unbeatable price.......2002-01-10

This is a must buy for Sibelius fans, and also people who want to know more about Sibelius' work. Karajan do a great job here, present the probably greatest performance of Symphony 5 and Finlandia among all known recording(although performance of Valse triste is far from excellent). Once you listen to the opening of Sym 5 1st mvt, you can feel the wildness and grandeur of Scandinavia immediately. Violin Concerto performed by Ferras is lyric and delicate. it is also a favourite to me, since I am bored by the sparkling style of Heifetz that make me shivering. I recommanded all classical listener who do not own any Sibelius take this disc to your first collection.(since it is far cheaper than the DG original Symphony 4-7 by Karajan).You will be fascinated.

Great compilation.......2000-10-18

Here we have a gathering of the finest performances of the most wellknown Sibelius-works available in the archives of Deutsche Gramophone. 2 CD's for the price of one makes up for a great bargain. Karajan, as always, is focused in creating a mix of as much beauty and power as possible. In this kind of music it works off quite well, especially in the Finlandia, The Swan of Tounela and the 5th symphony, that all are exceptionally fine. The violin concerto and the 'valse triste', though, are wellplayed and beautiful (that goes for violin soloist Ferras too) - yes - but lacking some nerve and passion, and especially the valse trist is done a little too slow.

Okku Kamu's, the other baton-holder of this compilation, account begins very good with a splendid performance of the Karelia suit that shows his understanding of the works diversity - he and the Helsinki SO sounds natural, charming and playful - yet intense and making you feel the underlying seriousness that always is there in Sibelius music. His rendition of the 2nd symphony, a work about the finnish emotions and patriotic struggle against a greater power (Russia, Sweden), is - emotional, dark and vivid. Here he plays with the Berliner PO (as is the case with all the Karajan tracks) who produces great detail to what is an over all splendid performance.

All together, most of the performances on this CD is top-of-the-list. The fact that two of them aren't (the Valse triste and the violin concerto), does, however, not mean that they're bad, not at all. Karajan brings forth the splendid beauty in Sibelius' music, while Kamu finds more of the natural aspects, seriousness and mysticism. They're a perfect match, giving you an extremely good compilation of a great semi-modern composer at his best. So if you want a good glimpse of what is so great about Sibelius - you just can't afford to miss this record.

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