Sibelius: Symphonies Nos. 2 & 5

On this CD:

1. Symphony No. 2, for orchestra in D major, Op. 43
Composed by Jean Sibelius
Performed by Royal Scottish National Orchestra
Conducted by Alexander Gibson

2. Symphony No. 5, for orchestra in E-flat major, Op. 82
Composed by Jean Sibelius
Performed by Royal Scottish National Orchestra
Conducted by Alexander Gibson

Tracks:

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

Sibelius: 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

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

General | Classical | Styles | Music

The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
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.

Sibelius: Symphonies Nos. 6 and 7 / 'The Tempest' Suite No. 2

Average customer rating:

Excellent Sibelius on Naxos

Sibelius: Symphonies Nos. 6 and 7 / 'The Tempest' Suite No. 2

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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Lutoslawski: Concerto for Orchestra; Three Poems; Mi-Parti
Feeney: Dracula
Violin Concertos of John Adams & Philip Glass
Sea Shanties

ASIN: B00004YYQQ
Release Date: 2000-11-21

Tracks:

Sym No.6 in d, Op.104: Allegro Molto Moderato
Sym No.6 in d, Op.104: Allegretto Moderato
Sym No.6 in d, Op.104: Poco Vivace
Sym No.6 in d, Op.104: Allegro Molto
Ste No.2, Op.109 No.3 'The Tempest': Chorus Of The Winds
Ste No.2, Op.109 No.3 'The Tempest': Intermezzo
Ste No.2, Op.109 No.3 'The Tempest': Dance Of The Nymphs
Ste No.2, Op.109 No.3 'The Tempest': Prospero
Ste No.2, Op.109 No.3 'The Tempest': Song I & II
Ste No.2, Op.109 No.3 'The Tempest': Miranda
Ste No.2, Op.109 No.3 'The Tempest': The Naiads
Ste No.2, Op.109 No.3 'The Tempest': Dance Episode
Sym No.7 in C, Op.105

Amazon.com

Once again, Naxos scores big with this collection of two of Jean Sibelius's greatest symphonies, the 6th and the 7th. Maestro Petri Sakari's predilection is to take the 6th at a somewhat accelerated pace, especially in the first and the third movements, injecting an unexpectedly playful element to the music. It's almost as if Sakari is intentionally recalling some of the same playful elements in the 5th Symphony and holding them over into the 6th. Symphony No. 7, however, is more moderated in its pacing, keeping with the standard performance tempos most conductors, living and dead, have imposed. Between the two symphonies is the second suite from The Tempest, which provides an upbeat segue to the more meditative 7th Symphony that follows. All in all, another fine release from Naxos. --Paul Cook

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Sibelius on Naxos.......2007-03-08

This is a very nice coupling of Sibelius' last two Symphonies. Petri Sakari conducts the Iceland Symphony Orchestra in very fine fashion. They play with a heartwarming fervour, especially the woodwinds. The outer movements of No. 6 have plenty of fire. The performance of Sibelius single-movement 7th is no less attractive. Gramophone Magazine gave this recording their monthly Editor's Choice Award. The Penguin Guide gave this 3 stars, which is "an outstanding performance and recording in every way". Also, the French magazine La Monde de la Musique gave it their highest "Special Award CHOC symbol". As if not enough, Naxos throws in a very likable account of the rarely heard Second Suite from Sibelius' 1925 incidental music from The Tempest. At a wonderful low price, Naxos provides an excellent 71-plus minutes from the great Finnish composer. Warmly recommended.

Average customer rating:

Music that touches your soul
Sober Second, Very Fine Third
Revealed Sibelius

Sibelius: Symphonies Nos. 2 & 3

Manufacturer: Bis
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Sibelius: Symphonies Nos. 6 & 7
Sibelius: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 4
Beethoven Symphonies 4 & 5

ASIN: B0000016PI
Release Date: 2000-08-05

Tracks:

I. Allegretto
II. Tempo Andante, Ma Rubato
III. Vivacissimo - Attacca
IV. Finale. Allegro Moderato
I. Allegro Moderato
II. Andantino Con Moto, Quasi Allegretto
III. Moderato - Allegro (Ma Non Tanto)

Customer Reviews:

Music that touches your soul.......2007-04-07

This must be one of the best Sibelius recordings. The second symphony must be a challenging piece, but Osmo Vanska takes great care of each detail that every time I listen to it, I am moved to near tears. It took me a while to get familiar with the music, though, as I am not a classical music academic. But be patient. Listen to it again and again, if you are a regular music lover like me. All the rest of Sibelius symphony recordings by Vanska and Lahti Orchestra on Bis label are recommended. Jean Sibelius: Violin Concerto in D minor (Original Version); Violin Concerto in D minor

Sober Second, Very Fine Third.......2007-03-27

The Symphony No. 2 is probably Sibelius' most popular and it receives a very broad and expansive rendering here -- much too sober and polite to recommend for a novice. The limitations of the orchestra are apparent, but the performance is committed if somewhat episodic and lacking natural flow. My favorite recording of No. 2 is by John Barbirolli and the Royal Philharmonic on the Chesky label, which I'd wholeheartedly recommend.

The No. 3 here is a personal favorite with a beautifully melodic and melancholy middle movement. This digital disc is also warmly and transparently recorded.

Revealed Sibelius.......1999-11-14

The second and the third symphonies are among the most popular works of Jean Sibelius, and it's a true and pleasant surprise to notice that a symphonic group of a small city as Lathi and a conductor not yet belonging to the star-system like Osmo Vanska has succeeded in offering a really original interpretation of these works, perhaps the best today available on CD. Accustomed to the somptuos but sometimes rhetorics interpretations of some great conductors (Karajan, Maazel, Davis, Ormandy, Jarvi, etc.) in wich we can find, together to moments of big charm, some trespasses (especially in the second symphony) to superficiality, the interpretative approach of Vanska and the Lathi Symphony Orchestra appears revealing: never before we have noticed a care of the particular so deep and an idiomatic language so absolute to make perfectly sensitive the "white heat" so typical of the Finnish composer, to testimony of a study really meticolous and accurate of the score from the interpreters. The splendid quality of the recording makes once more recommended the acquisition of this CD. Thanks to the Lathi Symphony Orchestra, to its conductor Osmo Vanska and to Bis for have given us this splendid and fundamental recording.

Average customer rating:

The #2 OP43, most emotionally evocative

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

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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

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Tracks:

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

Average customer rating:

Highly enjoyable performances by Sibelius' orchestra

Sibelius: Symphonies Nos. 2 & 6

Manufacturer: Ondine
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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

General | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Sibelius: Symphonies 1 & 7 (Helsinki Phil./Segerstam)
Sibelius: Symphonies Nos. 3 & 5
Sibelius: Symphony 4/Finlandia/Pohjola's Daughter
Jean Sibelius: The Tempest, Suites 1 & 2 / The Oceanides / Nightride and Sunrise - Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra / Leif Segerstam
Beethoven: Violin Concerto; Violin Romances

ASIN: B0000D9Y7X
Release Date: 2003-12-09

Tracks:

1. Allegretto
2. Tempo Andante. Ma Rubato
3. Vivacissimo
4. Finale. Allegro Moderato
1. Allegro Molto Moderato
2. Allegretto Moderato
3. Poco Vivace
4. Allegro Molto

Customer Reviews:

Highly enjoyable performances by Sibelius' orchestra.......2003-12-19

The Helsinki Philharmonic premiered many of Sibelius' compositions, often conducted by Sibelius itself. How wonderful to listen to this new Sibelius symphony cycle, with Sibelius' orchestra now expertly led by Leif Segerstam! Contrary to what some might imagine with an idiosyncratic conducter like Segerstam, these are not radical reshapings of familiar works, but solidly conceived, vibrant, and masterfully paced performances. The sound, as one might expect from Ondine, is both warm and detailed, even slightly improved over the first installment in this series (Symphonies 1 and 7).

Tracks:

Symphony no. 2 in D major, op. 43: I. Allegretto
Symphony no. 2 in D major, op. 43: II. Tempo Andante, ma rubato
Symphony no. 2 in D major, op. 43: III. Vivacissimo
Symphony no. 2 in D major, op. 43: IV. Finale. Allegro moderato
Symphony No. 7 In C Major, Op. 105: Adagio - Vivacissimo - Adagio - Allegro molto moderato - Allegro moderato - Presto - Adagio - Largamente molto - Affettuoso

Customer Reviews:

A gift for all those who are hard fan Sibelian!.......2006-11-29

For the Philadelphians - and I know there are too many around the world - there is huge point to their favor; the opulence of his strings section and the overwhelming sonority of woods and metals, made of this legendary ensemble a true delicious for composers who demand this sonorous density as Shostakovich, Tchaikovsky or Sibelius.

And this was, indeed a magnificent to appreciate in its full dimension, the colossal virtues of that sound. Ormandy `s elegance was also a vital factor after Stokowski molded that famed Orcehstra in the early Thirties.

Although the Second Symphony has name and surname (Anthony Collins and the LSO in the early Fifties labeled by Bidulph records) this version is honest, convincing and inspired. The Seventh is among the most expressive and sumptuously recorded ever.

Go for this invaluable record.

Wonderful Second; Seventh lacks contrasts.......2004-10-13

It's like being out in the grand, open, airy spaces. This is the kind of feeling I get listening especially to Ormandy and the Philadelphia Orchestra perform this Sibelius Second. It was recorded nearly a half century ago, and has never dimmed in its marvelously evocative qualities. To say that this conductor and orchestra were made for this piece would brook no disagreement from me. Ormandy's musical temperament is particularly well suited to both its dramatic and placid elements. And, those lush Philadelphia strings have a way of transporting one to near bliss. But, I also don't want to ignore that orchestra's superb and often thrilling horns and woodwinds. In short, this was vintage Philly sound. For a moment, though, I want to return to Ormandy. To me, his way with this symphony seems close to ideal. He delivers a wonderfully balanced combination of drama, sweep, majesty, poetry, tranquillity and, above all, musicality. And, unlike numerous other conductors here, he avoids the tendency to overdrive and engage in theatrics. This is an entirely convincing and satisfying portrait.

While beautifully played, I find Ormandy's Seventh a little too relaxed and polite a good deal of the time. It seems lacking somewhat in more of the strongly contrasting, serious elements of austerity and reflectiveness. I also miss a certain cragginess. I get a much more convincing feel for this work from Vanska, Maazel/Vienna and Collins. Koussevitzky is also excellent, though his much earlier recording suffers from sub par sound. Though this Ormandy disc now appears to be deleted it is worth getting for the conductor's classic Second alone, but I wouldn't pay more than its original list price.

Not as good as I expected.......2004-02-23

I really wanted to love this CD. I've enjoyed the Ormandy recordings I've heard in the past and, just as importantly, Ormandy was a committed champion of Sibelius and therefore a top man in my book.

First the good news: The version of the 2nd here is very good indeed; spirited and energetic throughout in addition to possessing plenty of the opulence for which Ormandy was famous. Particularly fine brass as well. Fans of the 2nd symphony probably will love this disc.

What I was really looking forward to was Ormandy's 7th and that's the reason for my disappointment. It starts off very well, the first couple of minutes being as good as any I've heard, but then it all goes wrong when we get to the gorgeous hymn-like section of the adagio. The problem is simple: Ormandy is just too slow. He's especially slow from the first trombone climax through to the end of the adagio; slower even than the Rattle/CBSO version, although he's not as unconvincing as that account. The adagio should have an exultant singing, surging quality but here it's little more than soothing. A shame. As if to compensate some of the later stages of the piece are played extremely quickly and sound a bit throwaway. Oh well...not to my taste, I suppose.

These are old recordings (1956 and '60) and I'm quite surprised by the level of enthusiasm for the sound quality shown by other reader reviewers. The sound is really no more than OK and I've heard far better sounding recordings from the same era. This is a fairly typical Sony Essential Classics disc - they don't seem to put anything like the same effort into remastering as many other labels. Compare and contrast with same era recordings on DG Originals and you'll see what I mean. In this case the sound is thin (you HAVE to turn the bass up on the 2nd Symp), a little dry, and lacking in bloom and transparency. Headphone listening reveals some poor mastering in the 2nd Symphony as well.

The booklet has some good notes, although no prizes for recounting, yet again, the infamous occasion when Mahler told Sibelius "A symphony must be a whole world". Sadly the booklet doesn't tell us how Sibelius refrained from replying "and what would you know about it you tedious, long-winded, self-dramatising old buffoon?" Only joking, Gustav fans.

Sibelius + Ormandy = Essential!.......2003-12-15

Essential Classics brings us one of the great bargains in the Classical catalogue.
This 1957 recording is far better sounding than you might think. The strings
and brass are a great deal more extravagant and open than they seem to be in
Modern recordings these days. The Sibelius 2nd symphony gets a commanding
performance and mainly in the finale and the structural design of the symphony is
held together well all throughout. The 7th symphony recorded three years later,
is very impressive indeed. It is wonderfully paced, as well as very intense.
They seldom make recordings like this anymore. The world was a different place.

Outstanding in every way.....Ormandy & Sibelius.......2003-09-15

To be brief, this disc is simply one of the greatest "deals" on the market, in terms of music, performance, and sound. Eugene Ormandy was a natural Sibelian, and it's a pity that Columbia didn't record an entire symphony cycle with the Philadelphia Orchestra under his baton. Others may correct me; I believe his only other issue with the label was Symphony #1, which is now coupled with Symphony #5, under Bernstein, and the Romance for Strings in C, under Louis Lane and the Cleveland Sinfonietta.

I'll admit some prejudices here. It was an old Columbia Odyssey LP that introduced me to this music and this particular performance back in the 60s. Like many other "first hearings," this one colored my listening experience with any subsequent encounters with the Sibelius 2nd. While the Ormandy/ "Philadelphia Sound" series took a back seat to Leonard Bernstein's New York hey-day in the late 50's and 60's, the Philadelphians continued to produce some outstanding recordings. In their LP incarnations, they (like so much else released by Columbia during that period) suffered from what the English would describe as "transatlantic sound"--thin bass and tinny treble. None of that is apparent here. Textures and balances are natural and full, with master tape hiss very well managed in the background. My experience with the current CD incarnation can be likened to moving from AM mono to FM stereo, all gain to the point of being revelatory.

The performance was everything I'd remembered and more. Ormandy, like Karajan, was a master at ensuring that the "arc" of the performance wasn't just an accumulation of so many detailed moments. No abrupt tempo-changing grandstanding here. And, like Karajan, Ormandy encouraged his famed strings to "take wing." They truly soar in the closing movement with its big tune, almost Tchaikovsky-like...not out of place in this most romantic of Sibelius' symphonies. With that sentiment in mind, I'll also alleviate any fears of cinematic bloating. While not of the "taut and lean" school as personified by Vanska on BIS, Ormandy is likewise not guilty of hamming things up. Winds and brass all have their say, but not to the point of displacing the string choirs in the balance of the scoring. Sibelius' natural sense of color, timing, and drama are all very much in evidence.

A great performance of Sibelius' Second Symphony should leave a listener feeling rewarded, the big themes still resonating in the mind, and the emotions stirred. This classic account by Eugene Ormandy and the Philadelphia Orchestra from the late 50s, beautifully remastered and offered as a genuine bargain, does just that. It is wisely coupled with a satisfying account of the often-enigmatic Seventh Symphony. This symphony in one movement, originally presented as a "Fantastica Sinfonia", was Sibelius most concentrated utterance. Again, the lynch-pin of a successful rendering is accomplished string playing, coupled with an unerring sense of dramatic narrative. There may be more probing accounts available, but Ormandy's is just fine.

Tracks:

Symphony No. 2, Op. 43 In D: Allegretto
Symphony No. 2, Op. 43 In D: Tempo Andante
Symphony No. 2, Op. 43 In D: Vivacissimo
Symphony No. 2, Op. 43 In D: Allegro Moderato
Symphony No. 6, Op. 104 In D Minor: Allegro Molto Moderato
Symphony No. 6, Op. 104 In D Minor: Allegro Moderato
Symphony No. 6, Op. 104 In D Minor: Poco Vivace
Symphony No. 6, Op. 104 In D Minor: Allegro Molto

Amazon.com

This is part of Sir Colin Davis's second set of Sibelius's symphonies. The first recordings, with the Boston Symphony for Philips, were highly acclaimed in their time and remain available on two budget-priced sets. Since the BSO plays with a palpably lusher sound than the LSO, many listeners may still prefer those recordings. But these newer performances have more powerful climaxes, and overall a more aggressive approach to the music which grabs the listener's attention more immediately, sometimes a very positive factor in enigmatic music like that of Sibelius. RCA's recording is amazingly fine. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

You can do better.......2003-03-03

I know that Sir Collin Davis deserves much credit for his good work in championing the Music of Sibelius.
The Seven Symphonies are wonderful and still generally underappreciated works.
However, I couldn't help but find this recording a bit ponderous and dull.
Tempi are slow, articulation is flabby, and there is a general lack of passion and energy that this music requires.
The recordings of Paavo Berglund with the Helsinki Philharmonic are really beautiful and would be, I believe, a much better introduction to this music

Bland.......2001-08-08

There's no contest if you're trying to decide between this and the two Philips 2-fers: the Philips recordings are more flowing, better-recorded, and contain more drama and attention to the long line and long argument--so important in Sibelius. Based not just on these but his other recordings recently, Colin Davis seems to be softening in old age. Leslier Gerber's statement that these recordings are *more* aggressive baffles me. Compare literally any section side by side and you'll find the climaxes here more muted (the tympani is particularly dull and "thuddy"), the string-playing less taut, and the overall conception far less edgy. The sound is a little fuzzy too. When the complete set, plus overtures, tone poems and violin concerto can be had on Philips for about thirty bucks, there's no contest, and no reason this cycle was even necessary.

Recordings to live with.......2000-02-01

It seems that Davis's RCA cycle of Sibelius symphonies is in a bear market judging by how people are practically giving away their copies. Well, collectors should rejoice at the opportunity to assemble a first rate set on the cheap. I can't comment the 2-CD set of Kullervo and Symphony no. 7 but the rest (1&4, 2&6, 3&5) are excellent in all respects. Perhaps another set from Davis (or anyone else) was hardly necessary and many will prefer the tauter direction of the Philips set. But these RCA recordings are equally valid: slightly broader in the Second Symphony, at least, but with more detail illuminated, too. Davis is unerringly sensitive to the music's architecture and resists any suggestion of interpretive narcissism, which may explain some people's opinion of these as being bland. But take it from me, these performances will grow on you.

Average customer rating:

Sibelius: Symphonies Nos. 2 & 3

Manufacturer: Capitol
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00000DO9U
Release Date: 1991-10-11

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)

Average customer rating:

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

Sibelius: Symphonies Nos. 1-7

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Bruckner: Symphonies 1-9
Schumann: Symphonies 1-4; Manfred Overture
EMI Great Recordings of Century - Brahms: Symphonies Nos. 1-4/Klemperer
Tchaikovsky: Symphonies Nos. 1-6
Vaughan Williams: Symphonies 1-9 / Boult

ASIN: B00003ZKRM
Release Date: 2000-05-09

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Halle Orchestra seems almost perfect in this outing.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Recommended Music:

The Rug

Project to the 21st Century: Orchestra Project 99 [Live]

My Foolish Heart

Music: In the Wee Hours: Music to Wind Down To

Now: 1990 [Import]

Promises Impure [Import]

Motivo Cubano [Import]

Psychedelia at Abbey Road: 1965-1969 [Original recording remastered] [Import]

Show Em How [Import]

Saxophone

Moonlit Desert [Import] [Original recording remastered]

Outrageous

Me Gusta Ponerle Al Polvo

Mostly Blues

Homesongs