Sibelius: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 4

Editorial Reviews
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

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

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Sibelius: Symphonies Nos. 5-7; The Oceanides; Finlandia; Tapiola
Sibelius: The Complete Symphonies 1

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

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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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.

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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Similar Items:

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

ASIN: B00003ZKRM
Release Date: 2000-05-09

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Halle Orchestra seems almost perfect in this outing.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sibelius: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 5 / Romance for Strings

Average customer rating:

Second Best Recording of Sibelius's First Symphony!
The two best for the price of one
Marvelous Fifth; Prosaic First
Lenny is at his best

Sibelius: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 5 / Romance for Strings

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000029WY
Release Date: 1997-07-01

Tracks:

Symphony No. 1 In E Minor, Op. 39: I. Andante, ma non troppo. Allegro energico
Symphony No. 1 In E Minor, Op. 39: II. Andante (ma non troppo lento)
Symphony No. 1 In E Minor, Op. 39: III. Scherzo. Allegro
Symphony No. 1 In E Minor, Op. 39: IV. Finale (Quasi una fantasia)
Symphony No. 5 In E-Flat Major, Op. 82: I. Tempo molto moderato
Symphony No. 5 In E-Flat Major, Op. 82: II. Allegro moderato. Presto
Symphony No. 5 In E-Flat Major, Op. 82: III. Andante mosso, quasi allegretto
Symphony No. 5 In E-Flat Major, Op. 82: IV. Allegro molto
Romance In C Major For String Orchestra, Op. 42

Amazon.com

Bernstein's 1961 recording of this symphony with the New York Philharmonic was one of his greatest successes, an incandescent account full of craggy grandeur and lyric intensity. Skillfully remastered by Sony, it sounds considerably more vivid here than in its first CD incarnation. Best of all, it now comes coupled with a magnificent recording of the First Symphony from Eugene Ormandy and the Philadelphia Orchestra. At mid-price, this makes for one of the finest and most affordable starter discs in the catalog. --Ted Libbey

Customer Reviews:

Second Best Recording of Sibelius's First Symphony!.......2004-04-15

This CD contains the second best recording of Sibelius's First Symphony I've ever heard, second only to a live recording with Bernstein and the Vienna Philharmonic, now available on a DG 3-CD set. (Incidentally, Bernstein's other recording of this piece, with the NY Philharmonic--available on an import CD set, originally recorded for Sony--isn't nearly as good). Ormandy was one of the best Sibelius conductors out there and this recording of the First Symphony is probably his greatest Sibelius recording. The opening clarinet is hauntingly beautiful and the remainder of the first movement contains crackerjack excitement, with just the right tempos. The middle movements are executed flawlessly, but it's the final movement that really stands out. Ormandy draws out the moving "big tune" in a manner that other recordings(save the Bernstein/Vienna) miss. The Philadelphia strings have never sounded better. This is the ultimate "Romantic" recording of this symphony, one that every fan of this work must own.
Benstein's Fifth Symphony is amazing, with shattering climaxes and some of the most mindblowing brass I've ever heard!Another must-own for fans of this work. All in all, a desert-island disc if ever there was one. The budget price makes it a steal!

The two best for the price of one.......2003-07-30

Ah, to have Maestroes Bernstein and Ormandy together with Jean Sibelius on one recording. Marvelous!

I would like to speak to one of the critics here. There was a mention of pedantic and unmoving passages in the Ormandy performance of the First. I would like to say that the First Symphony is a 'Winter' symphony. You can feel the cold and the wind and snow. So many 'loud-soft' passages (echos), so beautifully shaped here. There was no Spring here and it was as if Sibelius was wondering if there was ever going to be a spring. I had always rated the Ormandy performance above Maestro Bernstein in the First Symphony, but the opposite for the Fifth.

Here Maestro Bernstein is at his interpretive best, espicially as a young man, in this recording. It shows maturity that I hear in his later recordings, and the clarity of the sound of Carnegie Hall is wonderful. The finale of the first movement is played as in no other recording, powerful and clear! The New York Philharmonic shines here.

My only longing here is one that I have stated before; it is so sad that Ormandy and the PHO did not have a venue to make their wonderful sound come through in recordings. There were several early ('58-'59) that still sound wonderful and a few from the middle sixties and those with RCA, but the rest, though you knew the tone was there were not able to experience it.

This recording is a must for the beginners classical music library. I recommend this recording highly. I would give it 7 stars if I could.

Marvelous Fifth; Prosaic First.......2003-03-05

The gem here is Bernstein's performance of the Sibelius Fifth. There is a sense of rightness, be it tempos, rhythms, pace, attack and decay, mystery and, above all, grandeur. I am really surprised at the general lack of those kinds of idiosyncrasies stereotypically associated with this conductor. Did I not know Bernstein was at work, I would never guess it was him at the helm. One of the most pleasing aspects of this Fifth is how he and the New York Philharmonic beautifully articulate the sounds of woodwinds, strings and horns. Often, one has the feeling that the musical journey traverses windswept vistas, now and then projecting their glowing hues. This is Sibelius at his eloquent best.

In the First Symphony, I find Ormandy too deliberate in his shaping of the musical line, leaving the sense of forward progression and imaginativeness a bit stifled. I have the impression I'm listening to a tired man's view of Sibelius. Bernstein's Sibelius 1 is more attractive, and I don't know why Columbia did not include it here with his Fifth. My favorite First, however, is Maazel's with the Vienna Philharmonic. Here, the sounds and images of nature come into play with much greater freedom and character than with Ormandy. There is both more openness AND subtlety of expression. A real breath of fresh air. Also excellent is the discontinued Anthony Collins reading (with the Sibelius Seventh on Beulah). Some consider Maazel to be a bit more intense, while others may feel Collins is somewhat better balanced. You can't go wrong with either.

Lenny is at his best.......2000-11-13

This recording by the New Philharmonic of Sibelius' Fifth Symphony is one of the best Bernstein made on CBS Masterworks(now known as Sony). In the finale, the trombones play very well, something that was not alway the case during Bernstein's tenure. Ormandy does a very good job with the First Symphony. The price can't be beat and the sound is very, very good. Go for it!

Sibelius: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 4 [DualDisc]

Average customer rating:

Sibelius: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 4 [DualDisc]

Manufacturer: Silverline
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B0007VF1T2
Release Date: 2005-04-05

Average customer rating:

Receives my highest recommendation!

Symphonies Nos 1 & 6

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Sibelius: Symphonies Nos. 2 and 5 (The Karajan Collection)
Blood Diamond [HD DVD]
Einstein: His Life and Universe
Casino Royale (Two-Disc Widescreen Edition)

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:

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

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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