Sibelius: Symphony No. 1; Karelia Suite

On this CD:

1. Symphony No. 1, for orchestra in E minor Op. 39
Composed by Jean Sibelius
Performed by Philharmonia Orchestra
Conducted by Vladimir Ashkenazy

2. Karelia Suite, for orchestra, Op. 11
Composed by Jean Sibelius
Performed by Philharmonia Orchestra
Conducted by Vladimir Ashkenazy

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: 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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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: 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

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Sibelius: Symphonies Nos. 3, 5, 6 & 7
Sibelius: Finlandia/Tone Poems.
Dvorak: 3 Great Symphonies
Tchaikovsky: Symphonies no 4, 5, & 6 / Karajan, Berlin PO
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.

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

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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

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

Tracks:

Luonnotar, Op.70 - Dame Gwyneth Jones
En Saga, Op9 - London Symphony Orchestra
Night-Ride And Sunrise, Op.55 - London Symphony Orchestra
The Oceanides, Op.73 - London Symphony Orchestra
I: Nocturne - Sir Alexander Gibson
II: Elegie - Sir Alexander Gibson
III: Musette - Sir Alexander Gibson
IV: Serenade - Sir Alexander Gibson
V: Ballade - Sir Alexander Gibson

Tracks:

Karelia Overture, Op.10 - Sir Alexander Gibson
I: Intermezzo - Wiener Philharmoniker
II: Ballade - Wiener Philharmoniker
III: Alla Marcia - Wiener Philharmoniker
Swan Of Tuonela, Op.22 No.2 - Wiener Philharmoniker
Finlandia, Op.26 - Wiener Philharmoniker
Pohjola's Daughter, Op.49 - BBC Symphony Orchestra
The Bard, Op.74 - Sir Alexander Gibson
Festivo, Op.25 No.3 - Sir Alexander Gibson
The First Kiss, Op.37 No.1 - Geoffrey Parsons
Spring Is Flying, Op.13 No.4 - Geoffrey Parsons
The Tryst, Op.37 No.5 - Geoffrey Parsons
Black Roses, Op.36 No.1 - Geoffrey Parsons

Sibelius Symphony No. 1; Karelia Suite; Finlandia

Average customer rating:

Nearly Barbirolli
Sibelian to the Core

Sibelius Symphony No. 1; Karelia Suite; Finlandia

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

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
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Sibelius: Symphony in D No. 2; Valse Triste Opus 44
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ASIN: B000002RSA
Release Date: 2001-02-27

Tracks:

Karelia Suite, Op.11: I. Intermezzo
Karelia Suite, Op.11: II. Ballade (Havard Narang cor anglais
Karelia Suite, Op.11: III. Alla marcia
Finlandia, Op.26
Sym No.1 in e, Op.39: I. Andante, ma non troppo1 Allegro energico (Leif arne pedersen clarinet)
Sym No.1 in e, Op.39: II. Andante (ma non troppo lento)
Sym No.1 in e, Op.39: III. Scherzo; Allegro
Sym No.1 in e, Op.39: IV. Finale (Quasi una Fantasia)

Customer Reviews:

Nearly Barbirolli.......2002-03-12

Jansons is an excellent conductor of Sibelius, no question. I will leave discussion of his wonderful rendition of the Sibelius First Symphony to others. It is the Finlandia on this disc that I truly love. One of the things I have come to admire about this conductor is his way with making 'warhorses' sound new to me, and his Finlandia is no exception. The sound quality is truly exceptional, but the Oslo Philharmonic's recording venue does have a somewhat harsh acoustic. Still, the performance and the tempos give this particular Finalandia an edge I think.

Sibelian to the Core.......1999-08-24

This collection of Sibelius compositions is the best I've heard in a long time. The music of Jean Sibelius has been standard repertoire since the 1930s. However, not since the days of John Barbirolli, Sir Thomas Beecham and Serge Koussevitzky have so many champions of Sibelius come to the forefront to record the beautiful strains and sounds of the legendary composer. Most notable among these Sibelius advocates are Scandinavian conductors, chief among them Esa-Pekka Salonen, Jukka-Pekka Saraste, Paavo Berglund, and - of course - Mariss Jansons. It is often forgotten that during Sibelius' lifetime, and for a couple of decades afterwards, many Scandinavian musicians were reluctant to perform Sibelius, because they had felt a need to emerge from the very formidable penumbra of his omnipresence. Remember that during his own lifetime, Sibelius' popularity so dwarfed those of Carl Nielssen and Kalervo Tuukkanen that Jean Sibelius was not only the "Voice of Finland," but indeed "The Voice of Scandinavia."

Fortunately, for us listeners, the Scandinavians once again seek to promote Sibelius rather than leaving it to auslaender such as Lorin Maazel, Vladimir Ashkenazy and Eugene Ormandy (all excellent Sibelius interpreters). Here, Jansons and the Oslo Philharmonic register two (out of three) very striking, individualist performances that have helped to propel this Norwegian conductor into the forefront of the musical world.

The Karelia Suite opens this disc, and is a beautifully bittersweet and austere rendition. Jansons places primary emphasis on the low strings in communicating this trio, based on the Finnish national literary epic The Kalevala. The most succinct and gripping of these is the second, Ballade, which features a lonely, wistful English horn solo by Havard Norang, held aloft subtly by the undercurrent of the strings (to which Jansons pays particular attention, which would have pleased Sibelius himself, having been a violinist).

Sibelius' First Symphony, written in 1899, represents the composer's second effort in this medium (the first was his "Kullervo" Symphony, Op. 7). First appearing the same time as Sergei Rachmaninoff's own First Symphony, it is important to note how both of these composers' first serious forays into the symphony bore the unmistakable imprint of Tchaikovsky's influence. Yet, even more fascinating is how Sibelius and Rachmaninoff would themselves both emerge from Tchaikovsky's influence to create radically different compositions - Sibelius, finding at last his "way," and Rachmaninoff single-handedly taking up the banner of Romanticism into the twentieth century.

As the Symphony's first movement (Andante ma non troppo - Allegro energico) opens with an equally bittersweet and understated clarinet solo (by Leif Arne Pedersen), the orchestra quickly makes its presence felt, especially through the timpani and brass, which are very forceful without being overwhelming. Here, Jansons does a better job than anyone I've heard in conducting this symphony in its Sibelian context, rather than letting it be engulfed by its Tchaikovskian roots. This movement, as conducted by Jansons, is a brilliant foreshadowing of things to come in Sibelius' Second Symphony: He deftly handles the subtle orchestral colouring of this movement, in which he lets harps, flutes and the pizzicati of the upper strings range freely underneath the movement's theme, which is carried on the clarinet and refrains on the English horn. This seems to hearken to Sibelius' method of "fragmentary" composition, i.e., writing thematic "strands" which later weave themselves into an intelligible whole.

In the second movement, Andante (ma non troppo lento), the movement opens up gently, lyrically, like waking up late on a clear Sunday morning. Jansons moves from the languorous introduction, by pacing the basses, punctuating the theme firmly and insistently (which itself looks forward to the opening passage from the Tempo andante, ma rubato in the Second Symphony). The orchestra then imperceptibly moves with ferocity into the movement's middle allegro passage and then backs out just as subtly from the vivacious interlude into a restatement of the reticent opening theme.

Before reviewing this disc, I hooked up a new pair of Klipsch speakers to the amplifier, and the third movement (Scherzo: Allegro) makes me glad I bought them (my other monitors are ADS L-880s, themselves not too shabby); the timpani pounds out of the speakers, giving one the "you are there" feeling of being in a concert hall. Here, one can hear the influence of Tchaikovsky's Fifth Symphony in the brass interlude - melancholic, somber, with much legato.

The finale (quasi una Fantasia) is the most profoundly influenced by the Russian romantic, at time echoing the finale from the Fourth Symphony, at others Francesca da Rimini. Yet, in the phrasing on the woodwinds, this movement is uniquely Sibelian. Jansons opens the movement powerfully on the upper strings and low brass. (Interestingly, the opening theme is interrupted by an upscaling string tremolo which itself had been "lifted" almost 50 years later by film composer Franz Waxman for his score for the "film noir" classic Sorry, Wrong Number). Jansons masterfully counterbalances the woodwinds and the low strings in this movement, which lead to a placid, yet eloquent theme - disquieting, yet splendorous. The movement is conducted beautifully and majestically by Jansons, thoroughly convincing, ending triumphantly. In this recording, Jansons and the Oslo Philharmonic have successfully tackled the awesome task of performing this both as a Romantic and Sibelian piece.

I wish I could say the same for their recording of Finlandia. Unfortunately, this piece is one of those "war horses," which many conductors seem to just rush through quickly. It is a competent rendering, but that is all I can say on its behalf. Unlike their performances of the Karelia Suite and the First Symphony, Jansons and the Oslo Philharmonic do not inspire with their version of Finlandia. The omnipresent timpani of the First Symphony here seem to be hiding in the green room, their sound just "swimming around" the rear of the concert hall. One wants to jump into the music and give the percussionist a set a hard mallets.

Tracks:

Finlandia, Op.26
Kuolema: Valse triste, Op.44, No.1
Lemminkainen Suite: The Swan Of Tuonela, Op.22, No.3
Karelia Suite, Op. 11: III. Alla marcia. Moderato
Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D minor, op. 47: III. Allegro ma non tanto
Symphony No. 1 In E Minor, Op. 39: III. Scherzo. Allegro
Pelleas und Melisande, Op. 46: Act II, Scene I - Introduction: A Fountain In The Park
String Quartet In D Minor, Op.56 'Voces intimae': II. Vivace
Symphony No.5 In E-Flat Major, Op.82: III. Allegro molto
Romance In C Major For String Orchestra, Op42
Symphony no. 2 in D major, op. 43: III. Vivacissimo - Lento e suave (attaca)
Symphony no. 2 in D major, op. 43: IV. Finale. Allegro moderato

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