Sibelius: Symphonies Nos. 6 & 7

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
If I were to go out on a limb, I would say that these are the finest performances of the Sixth and Seventh Symphonies currently available. In the earlier symphonies, Osmo Vanska seemed determined to make his personal mark on the music by choosing some very extreme tempos, both fast and slow. Here, he's content to present the music as effortlessly and organically as possible, and the result is exceptionally impressive. The Lahti Symphony is a smallish orchestra, but it's extremely polished in ensemble. The result is a near-perfect balance that allows the important woodwind parts to emerge clearly above a soft cushion of strings. It's an ideal sound for Sibelius, and the superb recording places the orchestra right in your listening room. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Sibelius: Symphonies 5 & 6.......2007-06-27

This is a wonderful album for a Sibelius fan or any lover of classical music. The sound quality is fabulous, capturing a marvelous performance with crystal clarity. The liner notes are very informative, too!

Hum Along With Colin.......2007-03-27

With the semi-chaos that's become of the recording industry, and as do a few prominent orchestras nowadays, the London Symphony Orchestra is producing and distributing live recordings on their own label. Colin Davis has recorded the entire cycle of Sibelius' symphonies twice in his career; this is the first installment of what may be his third cycle. However, for much of the popular Symphony No. 5, it's "Hum Along with Sir Colin". The No. 6 is one of my personal favorites with a delightfully disarming poco vivace third movement.

I love the performances; the acoustic is decidedly dry, but it complements Davis' cerebral take on these two symphonies. If one can inure themself to the conductor's "verbal accompaniment" in No. 5, these are most enjoyable.

Great sound and playing in Sir Colin Davis' most recent Sibelius 5 and 6.......2005-09-20

This is a beautiful CD in every way, and my first exposure to the LSO LIVE label. I am familiar with this label only from reviews I've read in AMERICAN RECORD GUIDE of Sir Colin Davis's recordings of Berlioz operas, Symphonie fantastique, Harold in Italy, this Sibelius disc, and Sibelius Symphonies 3 and 7. I am very impressed with the whole production: the graphics/design of the disc cover, insert, and program notes on the music and conductor. The disc inside, too, does not disappoint. Both sound and playing are great in this, Sir Colin's most recent Sibelius 5 and 6.

Davis is no stranger to Sibelius Symphonies, having recorded the complete cycle for Philips with the Boston Symphony (Duo Series, 2 double CD sets) in the late 1970s, and again with the London Symphony for RCA (available individually, and in a 7 disc set with other orchestral works). Now, LSO Live has released live concert performances of Symphonies 5 and 6; these are not the same as the RCA recordings. Davis uses lean orchestral textures, and taut, muscular phrasing resulting in Sibelius which is clear and fresh, like ice, or pure crystal: very beatiful and true to the spirit of Sibelius's music and his native Finland.

I have heard the Davis/Boston recording of these works, and here Sir Colin is clearly better in Symphony 5 than he was 25+ years earlier. Symphony 6, previously well played and recorded in Boston, is here very fine, yet different. I can't articulate why the more recent LSO recordings are superior; perhaps longer study with the works at hand, and the presence of a live audience has the London Symphony playing at a higher level than the Boston Symphony had in the studio in the late 1970s.

You can't go wrong with this: grab it while it's still available, and at an almost give away price to boot.

Superb performances of Sibelius's 5th and 6th Symphonies.......2004-08-06

Critics are hailing Sir Colin Davis's ongoing cycle of Sibelius's symphonies as his best (I saw a very favorable review of this recording in The New York Times over a month ago.), eclipsing in quality his critically acclaimed recordings with the London Symphony (RCA) and Boston Symphony (Philips). I haven't heard the CD of the 3rd and 7th symphonies, but am eager to hear it, after hearing these splendid live recordings. Sibelius was one of the few composers who wrote evocatively of nature repeatedly. His most "pastoral" symphony has to be the 5th symphony, with a recurring motif based on swan calls repeating through all three movements. Here Sir Colin Davis does an excellent job capturing the lyrical, dramatic aspects of the score with the London Symphony Orchestra. The more traditional 6th symphony is also well played. LSO Live sound engineers - or rather, those contracted to the LSO - have produced yet another well-balanced live recording that is as fine as any from a recording studio.

Average customer rating:

Astonishing!
Outstanding Sibelius
Benchmark sixth and throughout very fine playing/recording

Sibelius: Symphonies Nos. 6 & 7

Manufacturer: Bis
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Sibelius: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 4
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Jean Sibelius: Violin Concerto in D minor (Original Version); Violin Concerto in D minor

ASIN: B0000016PK
Release Date: 1996-10-01

Tracks:

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
Sym No.7 in C, Op.105 in One Movt - Antti Autio
Tapiola, Op.112: Symphonic Poem

Amazon.com

If I were to go out on a limb, I would say that these are the finest performances of the Sixth and Seventh Symphonies currently available. In the earlier symphonies, Osmo Vanska seemed determined to make his personal mark on the music by choosing some very extreme tempos, both fast and slow. Here, he's content to present the music as effortlessly and organically as possible, and the result is exceptionally impressive. The Lahti Symphony is a smallish orchestra, but it's extremely polished in ensemble. The result is a near-perfect balance that allows the important woodwind parts to emerge clearly above a soft cushion of strings. It's an ideal sound for Sibelius, and the superb recording places the orchestra right in your listening room. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Astonishing!.......2002-09-26

I have greatly enjoyed Vänskä's recordings with Lahti, and his Sibelius discs are all in a class by themselves. But this one is special among the special, and an ideal place to being exploring these works, Sibelius in general, or Vänskä's recorded output. The crystaline purity of the lines of the 6th, the deep intellegence in how it all comes together... the 6th emerges as a spectacular score, every bit as dramatic as the more outgoing 7th. Another thing interesting about this disc is how the pieces play off one another. Distinct in sound, mood, and construction, they balance each other well and make for a rounded listening experience.

Outstanding Sibelius.......2000-06-02

I always loved von Karajan's recordings of symphonies 4-7 from the 1960's, and I still hold them in highest regard. However, I feel that it's important to hear more than one version of Sibelius's later symphonies. And this recording of 6,7, and Tapiola with Osmo Vanska/Lahti is just awesome. You hear the woodwinds and strings with such well defined clarity, and everything is so naturally phrased. Seems true to the spirit of the music, though again, it's good to hear more than one version. I do think #6 is nearly perfect on all counts. #7 is top-notch, and the Tapiola is excellent. If you are a first-time fan of Sibelius's latter work, this is a great place to start. This digital recording is outstanding.

Benchmark sixth and throughout very fine playing/recording.......1999-09-15

My benchmark in the sixth has always been the early 60s Karajan performamnce, closely followed by Beecham's late 40s version. However, this has now changed! Vanska provides a reading of the sixth that is almost ideal in its combination of atmosphere and textual clarity. Never before has this work sounded so true to the composer's description as a cocktail of pure spring water. The scherzo in particular is outstanding with its unforced rhythm to the fore.

The seventh is, frankly, less remarkable, but is still a performance to be reckoned with. Again, Vanksa and his excellent Lahti players are at their best in the faster scherzando section towards the end of the work. The CD is rounded off by a very fine and (again) atmospheric version of Tapiola, with some superbly evocative wind playing. However, for Tapiola I would ultimately take Karajan's 1965 DG version to the desert island.

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:

My "imprint" set ...
This and that Sibelius
Inconsistent, but sometimes spectacular

Sibelius: Symphonies Nos. 3, 5, 6 & 7
Jean Sibelius , Vladimir Ashkenazy , and London Philharmonia Orchestra
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Sibelius: Finlandia/Karelia Suite/The Symphonies Nos. 1, 2 & 4
Dvorák: The Symphonies
Brahms: The Complete Symphonies / Karajan, Berlin PO

ASIN: B0000042GW
Release Date: 1998-01-13

Tracks:

Symphony No. 3 In C Major, Op. 52: I. Allegro moderato
Symphony No. 3 In C Major, Op. 52: II. Andantino con moto, quasi allegretto
Symphony No. 3 In C Major, Op. 52: III. Moderato - Allegro (ma non tanto)
Symphony No. 6 In D Minor, Op. 104: I. Allegro molto moderato
Symphony No. 6 In D Minor, Op. 104: II. Allegretto moderato
Symphony No. 6 In D Minor, Op. 104: III. Poco vivace
Symphony No. 6 In D Minor, Op. 104: IV. Allegro molto
Tapiola, Op. 112

Tracks:

Symphony No.5 In E Flat Major, Op.82: 1. Tempo molto moderato
Symphony No.5 In E Flat Major, Op.82: 2. Andante mosso, quasi allegretto
Symphony No.5 In E Flat Major, Op.82: 3. Allegro molto
Smphony No.7 In C Major , Op. 105: ut majeur . C - Dur
En Saga, Op. 9

Customer Reviews:

My "imprint" set ..........2006-03-08

so I'm maybe a little biased, but I love Ashkenazy's Sibelius. Yes, he makes it overly romantic at times, but the music can take it, and in some cases (like the "difficult" 7th) it needs it. The 6th in this set, which is my favorite work by the composer and my favorite recording by this conductor, is a stunning achievement. The weak link of Ashkenazy's Sibelius is the 4th from the other half of the complete set, but this pairing is excellent throughout.

This and that Sibelius.......2001-01-28

Any compilation of symphonies by a single director is bound to disapoint at some level. After all, the director, as any human being, has his favorites, changes his ideas through the process etc.... So joining Symphonies recorded over time, and breaking them apart from their original pairing is risky. For example the original pairing for the 4th of Sibelius was the 5th. For some reason Ashkenazy was able to make a connection between those two dissimilar works, yet key works in a major transition in the life of Sibelius while he composed them. Thus originally the icy cold, unbearably detached performance of the 4th (now somewhere else) was followed by the buoyant quest of the 5th. The pairing made wonders for each work as each one was enriched in the contrast. Now, well, we just have a collection. It is too bad that a brilliant 5th just cannot shine through as it should do. Other collections (Colin Davis e.g.) are to be considered if you just want "all" Sibelius. Otherwise look in the used CD section for the original pairing which deserved a 5 star on its own.

Inconsistent, but sometimes spectacular.......2000-05-13

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 is true in parts, it writes off Ashkenazy too easily.
The Symphony No. 3 is wonderful, perhaps the greatest performance ever. Rugged and idiomatic in the first movement, it reaches levels of almost indescribable beauty in the second movement before finishing with brilliance. Symphony No. 6 is on the same level, with the clarity and transparency of detail of an ice scuplture. The Tapiola that follows is, unfortunately, a disappointment. Ashkenazy seems lost and not quite sure how to develop this almost impressionistic piece.
The second disc opens with a good 5th symphony. Parts of the first and last movements are beautiful and unforgettable, but the middle of the first movement drags and other parts of the symphony seem similarly uninspired. The 7th Symphony reminds me of the Tapiola - Ashkenazy just does not seem to feel comfortable with the music or how to develop it. The disc closes well, with a strong En Saga that has a great string tone and a great sense of the work's sturdy but flowing rhythms.
In conclusion, not as consistent as the companion disc of Ashkenazy Sibelius on Decca. However, while this set has lower lows, it also has higher highs. Highly recommended if you are interested in the 3rd or 6th.

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

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Similar Items:

Bruckner: Symphonies 1-9
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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).

Average customer rating:

Highly enjoyable performances by Sibelius' orchestra

Sibelius: Symphonies Nos. 2 & 6

Manufacturer: Ondine
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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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, 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:

Receives my highest recommendation!

Symphonies Nos 1 & 6

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Sibelius: Symphonies Nos. 2 and 5 (The Karajan Collection)
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ASIN: B000KRN06O
Release Date: 2007-02-06

Tracks:

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

Album Description

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

Sibelius: Symphonies Nos. 4, 5, 6 & 7 (The Royal Edition, No. 82 of 100)

Average customer rating:

Sets the standard
Very fine recordings, a worthy addition
Essential Sibelius Recordings

Sibelius: Symphonies Nos. 4, 5, 6 & 7 (The Royal Edition, No. 82 of 100)

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000027NS
Release Date: 1993-09-21

Tracks:

Symphony No. 4 In A Minor, Op. 63: I. Tempo molto moderato, quasi adagio
Symphony No. 4 In A Minor, Op. 63: II. Allegro molto vivace
Symphony No. 4 In A Minor, Op. 63: III. Il tempo largo
Symphony No. 4 In A Minor, Op. 63: IV. Allegro
Symphony No. 5 In E - Flat Major, Op. 82: Tempo molto moderato - Largamente
Symphony No. 5 In E - Flat Major, Op. 82: Allegro moderato - Presto
Symphony No. 5 In E - Flat Major, Op. 82: Andante mosso, quasi allegretto
Symphony No. 5 In E - Flat Major, Op. 82: Allegro molto - Un pochettino largamente - Largamente assai

Tracks:

Symphony No. 6 In D Minor, Op. 104: I. Allegro molto moderato
Symphony No. 6 In D Minor, Op. 104: II. Allegretto moderato
Symphony No. 6 In D Minor, Op. 104: III. Poco vivace
Symphony No. 6 In D Minor, Op. 104: IV. Allegro molto - Allegro assai - Doppio piu lento
Symphony No. 7 In C Major, Op. 105: Adagio - Vivacissimo - Adagio - Allegro molto moderato - Allegro moderato - Vivace - Presto - Adagio - Largamente molto - Affettuoso

Customer Reviews:

Sets the standard.......2005-09-18

For vigor, propulsion, and drama, no one tops Bernstein's Sibelius readings from the NY Phil era. Of these readings, the Fifth Symphony was the knockout in its day forty yers ago, but the whole set is on the same level, with virtuosic playing and big-scale sound. A must buy.

Very fine recordings, a worthy addition.......2001-04-05

I have to agree largely with what the previous reviewer said, though I'm perhaps not *quite* as enthusiastic. For the most part the 6th and 7th are the highlights in this set. The 6th is particularly effective, and though I find Lenny's way with the 7th controversial (one of the noteworthy and appealing aspects of it is its seamless quality, how one section "morphs" into another, but Bernstein deemphasizes this) it is interesting and unique. The 4th lacks the "bottomless" mystery I love so much in this work, and my favorites here are Colin Davis' 1978 account with the Boston SO and Maazel with the VPO. The 5th is very very fine, but again Davis/BSO beats him out, as does Karajan/BPO on DG Originals. Still, these discs are definitely worth owning, and any Sibelius lover who doesn't snap them up is poorer for it. Sound is good and very bright, perhaps a bit close-up, with virutally inaudable tape hiss for those who care so much about those things.

Essential Sibelius Recordings.......2000-09-17

There have been many recordings of Symphonies 6 and 7 made since these 1960s accounts, but none in my experience that get as close to the heart of the music. In the Sixth especially, Bernstein finds a wild, Northern spirit in music which can sometimes seem over-refined. His vigorous tempos in the outer movements make this work much more dramatic than usual. In the Seventh, Bernstein creates huge tension all the way through this one-movement masterpiece. At the magnificent climaxes, you sense that the orchestral musicians really loved playing for this man. However many times I listen to these two Symphonies under Bernstein, I never cease feeling exhilirated.