Sibelius: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 6 [Box set]

On this CD:

1. Symphony No. 1, for orchestra in E minor Op. 39
Composed by Jean Sibelius
Performed by Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra
Conducted by Adrian Leaper

2. Symphony No. 6, for orchestra in D minor, Op. 104
Composed by Jean Sibelius
Performed by Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra
Conducted by Adrian Leaper

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. Tempo Molto Moderato, Quasi Adagi
II. Allegro Molto Vivace
III. Il Tempo Largo
IV. Allegro

Amazon.com

This Sibelius cycle from one of the hometown teams has a lot going for it and received a very positive critical response. Osmo Vänskä's First Symphony is probably the fastest in the history of the piece, and very exciting too. The Fourth, on the other hand, is without a doubt one of the slowest, but it's also one of the most carefully detailed and shaped. Given the fact that the music is almost uniformly bleak and creepy, the result is at times quite terrifying. The Lahti Symphony Orchestra plays this music as if they have something to prove, and they certainly succeed. This is totally committed, highly accomplished playing. Demonstration-quality sound, too. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) review May 4th 2002.......2002-05-05

A review of recordings of Sibelius' 4th symphony, on CD masters on the BBC on Saturday May 4th, brought this recording out top (of about 10-15 that were considered). The reviewer considered the depths of loneliness and despair reached were remarkable!. More info on the BBC website.

Average customer rating:

Superb Sibelius

Sibelius: Symphonies Nos. 1-4

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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

ASIN: B000B668Z4
Release Date: 2006-02-21

Tracks:

I. Allegro 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
IV. Finale (Allegro Molto)

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
IIII. Il Tempo Largo
IV. Allegro

Customer Reviews:

Superb Sibelius .......2007-02-28

After listening to the Davis recordings of the Sibelius symphonies for years, I thought it time to seek out another set of these symphonic masterpieces. I knew that these interpretations with the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra under Paavo Berglund were highly recommended by the Penguin guide, and thus decided to try them out. Well, I have been duly rewarded in my purchase, and actually, I believe the present set to surpass the famed Davis recordings in many (if not most) ways.

Berglund and the HPO take ideal tempi throughout; really, just perfect. There are many points in the Davis recordings (particularly in the first and third symphonies) were I found myself wishing for a faster or slower tempo; this is not the case here. Granted, Berglund does not go out on any limbs, and stays pretty close to the norm (whatever that is); but I believe this to be the set's greatest quality. There are no interpretational extremes or indulgences, just the genius of Sibelius at full speed ahead. Particularly noteworthy are the interpretations of the second and third symphonies, with the former being, I believe, the best I have ever encountered (competing with and surpassing Karajan, Davis, Bernstein, Ashkenazy, and Jarvi). Although I do prefer Davis and Ashkenazy in the fourth, the HPO are no slouches in the A minor, and this is only a minor quibble in a stunning set of orchestral masterpieces.

So, if you don't have it yet, get it. The price is unbeatable, and the interpretations warrant double what it costs. I look forward to getting symphonies 5 though 7 (also of course on EMI) in the mail next week, and from what I have heard in this first installment, I think I would feel pretty safe in a preemptive endorsement of one of the great complete Sibelius symphony cycles.

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

Average customer rating:

Top Recommendation
Good, sometimes great Sibelius

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

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Brahms: The Complete Symphonies / Karajan, Berlin PO

ASIN: B0000042GV
Release Date: 1998-01-13

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.

Sibelius: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 4 [DualDisc]

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Sibelius: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 4 [DualDisc]

Manufacturer: Silverline
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0007VF1T2
Release Date: 2005-04-05

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

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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).

Average customer rating:

Receives my highest recommendation!

Symphonies Nos 1 & 6

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000KRN06O
Release Date: 2007-02-06

Tracks:

Andante Ma Non Troppo - Allegro Energico
II. Andante (Ma Non Troppo Lento)
III. Scherzo: Allegro
IV. Finale: Quasi Una Fantasia - Andante - Allegro Molto
I. Allegro Molto Moderato
II. Allegretto Moderato
III. Poco Vivace
IV. Allegro Molto

Album Description

Tracklisting:
1. Symphony #1 in E Minor, Op. 39 - I. Andante ma non troppo - Allegro energico
2. Symphony #1 in E Minor, Op. 39 - II. Andante (ma non troppo lento)
3. Symphony #1 in E Minor, Op. 39 - III. Scherzo: Allegro
4. Symphony #1 in E Minor, Op. 39 - IV. Finale: Quasi una fantasia - Andante - Allegro molto
5. Symphony #6 in D Minor, Op. 104 - I. Allegro molto moderato
6. Symphony #6 in D Minor, Op. 104 - II. Allegretto moderato
7. Symphony #6 in D Minor, Op. 104 - III. Poco vivace
8. Symphony #6 in D Minor, Op. 104 - IV. Allegro molto

Customer Reviews:

Receives my highest recommendation!.......2007-06-05

This recording of Sibelius Symphony No. 1 has everything that other performances lack, with the possible exception of Osmo Vanska/Lahti Symphony. I'm speaking mostly about the performance of the 2nd movement: one of the better, more serious performances of the movement. Much more involving than the readings of Davis or Ormandy. A possible comparison to this one and the Vanska recording would be the Bernstein/Vienna Philharmonic recording, one of the most profound recordings of the entire symphony. Go for this one, though, if you want a comparison to Vanska or Bernstein/Vienna of the second movement. You won't be sorry.

Average customer rating:

Great recording from Iceland
Finland and Iceland: Music forged in fire...and ice

Sibelius: Symphonies Nos. 1 and 3

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000DMYY
Release Date: 1998-09-29

Tracks:

Symphony No. 1 In E Minor, Op. 39: Andante ma non troppo - Allegro energico
Symphony No. 1 In E Minor, Op. 39: Andante (ma non troppo lento)
Symphony No. 1 In E Minor, Op. 39: Scherzo (Allegro)
Symphony No. 1 In E Minor, Op. 39: Finale (Quasi una fantasia)
Symphony No. 3 In C Major, Op. 52: Allegro moderato
Symphony No. 3 In C Major, Op. 52: Andantino con moto, quasi allegretto
Symphony No. 3 In C Major, Op. 52: Moderato - Allegro (ma non tanto)

Customer Reviews:

Great recording from Iceland.......2004-03-11

Petri Sakari and the Iceland Symphony Orchestra combine forces here for an inspiring performance of two of Sibelius' more upbeat symphonies, the First and the Third. The seldom-played First Symphony, in E minor, written in 1898, is kind of a loner among Sibelius' longer orchestral works. Unabashedly romantic, it shows virtually none of the almost minimalist feel of the composer's "maturer" symphonies. Here he combines earthy Finnish landscape-tones (symbolized by the lingering solo clarinet at the beginning) with wonderful evocations of the distant Nordic sunlight, all mixed together with fate-charged allusions to fin-de-siecle Vienna and Paris. The Third Symphony, written in the uncharacteristically cheerful key of C major, is an equally interesting work, unique for Sibelius' use of old chorale themes at the center of each movement. The chorales give this music a lovely Renaissance feel at times. The melancholy chorale in the Andantino 2nd movement also evokes some of Tchaikovsky's tenderer, more snow-bedecked, marvelously Mother Russia moments, and Sibelius uses the brass in inspiring fashion throughout this impressive and only occasionally long-winded symphony.

Sakari and the Icelanders pull off a great performance in spite of a couple of minor flaws. The conductor highlights the harp and the timpani in the First Symphony, giving this recording a more sparkling and "crackling" feel than some of the better-known ones, but he needs to cut down the tempo and increase the volume in some of the spots where the brass dominates, like Karajan in his acoustically marred recording for EMI.

All in all, though, a great disc, and at a budget price!

Finland and Iceland: Music forged in fire...and ice.......2002-07-01

SIBELIUS's First and Third Symphonies are handled admirably by Mr. Sakari and his orchestra. Unlike the latter's reading of the Second Symphony (not a bad performance even though it seems to lack concentration and is not "the last word" in orchestral equilibrium) this coupling has several merits in terms of pertinence and technical value. As one of the finest cds in this cycle, this record sits, justifiably, next to the one of the Sixth and Seventh Symphonies (also including the 2nd suite to 'The Tempest'). In bare comparison, the performance of the crucial Second Symphony, for some reasons, is only moderately good for the most part (movements III and IV require more fire, while movement II could make for more spacious, atmospheric sound). Similar "interpretive issues" were detected in the rendition of the Fifth Symphony.

With the First and Third Symphonies, however, things seem to be different. Although I assume it's been made "in the same vein" as the Second, the approach seems to work quite a lot better ; here there's a clearer sense of poise---something i didn't feel much in the case of the Second. In the First and Third, the Iceland Symphony's rendition is more compliant, though never lingering, and the so vital sense of a Nordic work is stunningly characterized. For some reasons, the "alchemy" worked rather well when they did this coupling : The overall result, if not faultless, closes the gap between these and the top notch Sibelians (think of Beecham, Vanska, Davis and a few others).

My perception and empathy for the First and Third Symphonies, from that viewpoint, led me to conclude that the Naxos recording on this page should be granted a full five stars. I believe Sakari deserves praise for his work, done according to the "rules of art" (owing to a great job from the deftly trained Iceland performers). As Rob Barnett wisely remarked in his comments (MusicWeb), the Finnish conductor "patently loves this music as his way with the end of the second movement of the First Symphony shows. Many smaller details register with finely calculated compulsion. He has the benefit of a Nordic orchestra and the clear-eyed transparency of Naxos's most natural recording. The music is imbued with vitality - the vibration and the icy quickening of the best Sibelius interpretations."

The Inkpot (www.inkpot.com/classical) has reported in one of their reviews of Sibelius's symphonies that "the result is readings which feel confident and highly charged [ . . . ]. The performance of the Third Symphony is likewise superlative : It exudes the strength and confidence already heard in the reading of the First. The vital contribution of the Iceland strings is evidenced by the detailed violins, the singing violas, the doublebass march - all dealing with the splendid primary theme of the first movement." I couldn't agree more. On this terrain, the Iceland Symphony, a small, "provincial-type" orchestra, is able to challenge the greatest orchestras in the world.

With respect i must object to Roger Dettmer (classical cdreview.com) who wrote that "Sakari pulls both symphonies to pieces," also implying that "he seems never to have heard the pioneering discs" (Kajanus, etc.). Well, Sakari's orchestral direction is, surely, not without a few little flaws, but he doesn't fail to provide Sibelius with integrity and dignity. He also helped greatly the Iceland Symphony to get recognition as a world-class orchestra. An especial strength is in their subtle, intelligent use of the brass section, versus the strings---they, too, excel in their attempt to obtain a good orchestral balance.

When it comes to the First Symphony, my current favorites are Neeme Jarvi (Gothenburg S.O., coupled with one of the finest readings of 'Finlandia', on the BIS label) and Eugene Ormandy (Philadelphia, on Sony Classical). Jarvi is incredibly forceful and convincing. His reading is fleet and firm, with a sense of authority. Ormandy has the measure of the work ; the towering melodic motif which triggers the last movement of the First Symphony is simply unrivaled. In evidence, the Naxos offering does not surpass---nor does it equal---the peerless performances of, say, Jarvi, Vanska, Ormandy or the mesmerizing Sanderling (one of the great readings on disc). The First Symphony, while a bit on the 'Romantic' side of the composer, achieves austere, wintry and desolate sounds. The Third is somewhat warmer, but still retains a bit of that trademark "Nordic Sibeliana." The Naxos reading succeeds, in both, in conveying those inevitable aspects. My personal references for these two symphonies are those by Kajanus (made 1930-32), unrivaled on many aspects (sound quality excepted).

Albeit "uneven", this is one of the best Sibelius cycles. Personally, i was rather unimpressed by Sakari's traversal of the Fourth and Fifth Symphonies. The music does not seem to bounce, like a geyser, as it actually does in the First and Third Symphonies. The cd containing the Sixth and Seventh Symphonies (also with 'The Tempest' No.2) is another stunner from the Naxos label : Those are strong readings, indeed, especially the Sixth---a challenge for the best Sibelian conductors past and present.

In brief, these typically northern-sounding interpretations have fire---and ice... Here is music with warmth (not superimposed, only when called for), where sonics are "responsive", this with a handful of thrusting dynamic bursts. As one of the most beautiful recordings of these symphonies, this fine Naxos disc should be taken upon consideration. The sound is transparent and the musical content is crafted artfully by a bunch of dedicated Icelandic musicians. *****

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Sibelius: Symphonies Nos.1-7 [Japan]
Akeo Watanabe , and Japan Po
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000OLG7RU
Release Date: 2007-06-04

Mozart: Symphonies Nos. 32 & 1; Sibelius: Violin Concerto, Op. 47

Average customer rating:

A symphonic collaboration between Yaron and Tennstedt
Excellent
Whatever Yaron does is good by me
Nondescript Early Mozart; Incendiary Sibelius

Mozart: Symphonies Nos. 32 & 1; Sibelius: Violin Concerto, Op. 47

Manufacturer: Profil - G Haenssler
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B0007V6YCK
Release Date: 2005-08-16

Customer Reviews:

A symphonic collaboration between Yaron and Tennstedt.......2007-06-01

On its own, Yuval Yaron's reading of the Sibelius concerto would be memorable for coming from a virtual unknown. He is captured in first-rate sound here in 1978, and the deep sonority of his violin, combined with a free-wheeling approach, make for a memorable experience. I agree with the reviewer below who feels that the Sibelius requires a passionate interpretion, and Yaron's certainly is. But the greatest performances of any concerto depend on the conductor, too, and here Tennstedt is a full partner (as Sinopoli was for Gil Shaham and Salonen for Liang Cho-Lin). Tennstedt's conducting is heartfelt and searching; you feel that you're listening to a Sibelius symphony even when the soloist pushes the orchestra into the background. I'd rank their collaboration at the very top with the two others just mentioned.

I hope Profil has an unlimited supply of these outstanding live concerts with Tennstedt in Bavaria. Those issued so far have been a revelation.

Excellent.......2006-01-15

Whatever Klaus Tennstedt touched turned to gold. This CD is no exception. The performance of the Sibelius Violin Concerto with Yuval Yaron is excellent, e-x-c-e-l-l-e-n-t! One of the best I've ever heard.

I whole-heartedly recommend it.

Whatever Yaron does is good by me.......2005-12-11

Yuval Yaron, who is described enen by close friends as unstable, is one of the most spectacular violinists you will ever hear. If you can ever get ahold of his Sonatas and Partitas (had one, gave it to a student and never saw it again. Sigh...) is full of creative invention. And oh yeah, he only re-recorded one movement: the A minor fugue and that only because the recording engineer thought he had messed something up. This guy defies the imagination. A true "firebrand" whose surly personality has won him no friends and a lot of enemies. Tragic, because he is one of the all time greats. Haven't heard the recording, so can't comment, but from what the other reviewer said (and having played Mozart's juvenile first symphony myself) I would probably agree with him. One interesting note, though, about Mozart's First: the theme from the first movement, a very simple one, shows up later in guess what? Drumroll please: it is the theme to the last movement of the "Jupiter" symphony. It is worth a hearing just for that.

Nondescript Early Mozart; Incendiary Sibelius.......2005-09-15

This is yet another of Profil's odd programs taken from the archives of the Bavarian Radio Symphony, and although the far-from-helpful booklet notes don't tell us much about the provenance of these performances, one presumes they are from live broadcast performances of the orchestra; the Mozart was recorded in 1977, the Sibelius in 1978. The two Mozart symphonies are almost never heard, largely because they are early (No. 1 is from Mozart, age eight, and No. 32 is from 1779, and both are in the three-movement form inherited from the operatic overture of the preceding period) and they are not particularly memorable, although there are some characteristic Mozartean touches, even in the early piece. Still, I frankly don't care if I ever hear them again. Further, the performances seem a bit lackluster to me, even a little rough around the edges.

By far the most interesting thing here is the Sibelius Violin Concerto with Yuval Yaron as soloist. Yaron, currently on the faculty at the University of California at Santa Barbara (a fact of which the booklet writer seems unaware), has longstanding ties to the University of Indiana where he was a student of Joseph Gingold and where he was a professor until fairly recently. He won the Sibelius Competition in Finland a couple of years before this recording. His style is very much that of the firebrand, and that fits the Sibelius Concerto perfectly. I've always felt that this concerto required a heart-on-the-sleeve performance and that's what we get here. (My own favorite live performance of this concerto was on in the 1980s by Pinchas Zukerman. There are superb recordings by Heifetz -- with whom Yaron studied for a time, -- Ginette Neveu and Kyung Wha Chung. There is a recording of BOTH versions of the concerto played by Leonidas Kavakos.) Yaron plays deep in the strings, especially in the final movement. He makes a real statement in the middle movement, a real plus since some performers seem to be just putting in time in this movement. This is, I believe, a live performance and there are a few - very few - intonation problems; they do not interfere with the overall impression at all and they are evidence that this violinist is caught up in the adrenalin rush of the moment, I believe. Tennstedt and the BRSO are with him every step of the way. The sound of the lower strings and winds, so important in this score, is deep and rich. An exciting performance.

So, for the Sibelius this is a recommendation. The fillers (and that's all I can consider the Mozart symphonies) are negligible. And consequently one is probably not getting full value for money. Indeed, the total timing of the CD, including the Mozart works, is only 48:13.

Recommended only for those who collect the Sibelius Concerto and who are willing to pay full-price for a short timing.

Scott Morrison