Sibelius: Symphony No. 2; Finlandia; Valse Triste; The Swan of Tuonela

1. Symphony No. 2, for orchestra in D major, Op. 43
Composed by Jean Sibelius
Performed by Boston Symphony Orchestra Conducted by Sir Colin Davis

2. Finlandia, tone poem for orchestra, Op. 26
Composed by Jean Sibelius
Performed by Boston Symphony Orchestra Conducted by Sir Colin Davis

3. Valse Triste, for orchestra (from Kuolema), Op. 44/1 Valse triste
Composed by Jean Sibelius
Performed by Boston Symphony Orchestra Conducted by Sir Colin Davis

4. The Swan of Tuonela, tone poem for orchestra (Lemminkäinen Suite No. 3), Op. 22/3 The Swan of Tuonela, Op.22 No.2
Composed by Jean Sibelius
Performed by Boston Symphony Orchestra with Laurence Thorstenberg
Conducted by Sir Colin Davis

Sibelius: Symphony No. 2; Finlandia; Valse Triste; The Swan of Tuonela,Jean Sibelius,Sir Colin Davis,Laurence Thorstenberg,Boston Symphony Orchestra,Polygram Records,20th/21st Century Tone Poem/Symphonic Poem,Classical,Classical Music,Orchestral,Romantic Symphony,Romantic Tone Poem/Symphonic Poem for Orchestra,Symphonic

Average customer rating: Absolutely Superb!! A little comment ! Let's call it fifty/fifty. Brilliant #2...The Remainder of These 2 CD's are Worthless Not essential for Sibelians

Sibelius: Orchestral Works Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Sibelius | Sibelius, Jean | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Incidental Music | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Tone Poems | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music National Philharmonic Orchestra London | ( N ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music New York Philharmonic Orchestra | ( N ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Zoltán Kodály: Háry János Suite / Dances of Galánta & Marosszék / Children's Choruses - Iván Fischer / Budapest Festival Orchestra ASIN: B0000029YV Release Date: 1997-11-18

Tracks:

1. Symphony No. 1 In E Minor, Op. 39: Andante, ma non troppo; Allegro energico - National Philharmonic Orchestra
2. Symphony No. 1 In E Minor, Op. 39: Andante (man non troppo lento) - National Philharmonic Orchestra
3. Symphony No. 1 In E Minor, Op. 39: Scherzo. Allegro - National Philharmonic Orchestra
4. Symphony No. 1 In E Minor, Op. 39: Finale (Quasi una fantasia). Andante - National Philharmonic Orchestra
5. The Swan Of Tuonela, From Lemminkainen Suite, Op. 22, No. 3 - Michael Winfield
6. Violin Concerto In D Minor, Op. 47: Allegro moderato - Zino Francescatti
7. Violin Concerto In D Minor, Op. 47: Adagio di molto - Zino Francescatti
8. Violin Concerto In D Minor, Op. 47: Allegro, ma non tanto - Zino Francescatti

Tracks:

1. Finlandia, Op. 26 - London Symphony Orchestra
2. Symphony no. 2 in D major, op. 43: Allegretto - New York Philharmonic
3. Symphony no. 2 in D major, op. 43: Tempo Andante, ma rubato - New York Philharmonic
4. Symphony no. 2 in D major, op. 43: Vivacissimo - New York Philharmonic
5. Symphony no. 2 in D major, op. 43: Finale: Allegro moderato - New York Philharmonic
6. Valse Triste From Kuolema, Op. 44 - Philadelphia Orchestra
7. Karelia Suite, Op. 11: Intermezzo. Moderato - Philadelphia Orchestra
8. Karelia Suite, Op. 11: Ballade. Tempo di menuetto - Un poco piu lento - Philadelphia Orchestra
9. Karelia Suite, Op. 11: Alla marcia. Moderato - Philadelphia Orchestra

Customer Reviews:

Absolutely Superb!!.......2005-11-04

An excellant recording of the most popular pieces by this wonderful composer. The performance of each and every piece is truly stunning and the sound quality of the recording---excellant. A very good introduction to Sibelius.

A little comment !.......2004-08-31

The Second Symphony is a real issue of that overwhelming who was Thomas Schippers . Even if i do not agree with the timings due I consider extremely contemplative , it has personality and expressiveness .
The jewel of the crown is the first symphony , one of the best in the market .
The Sibelius violin concerto remains in the top list of the ten greatets performances in any age . Warmth and poetic rendition .
Finlandia is irrelevant .
So consider this buying worthable for the expossed reasons.

Let's call it fifty/fifty........2003-06-12

Like some of the other reviewers, I am inclined also to rate this compilation mixed fare. I would consider purchase of this two cd set only if it was available at a bargain price. To begin with, I find Thomas Schippers' Sibelius Second hard to take seriously. It seems to be an exercise in theatrics more than anything else. On the other hand, Stokowski's Sibelius First is one of the best performances this work has ever been given. He demonstrates tautness and clarity and an attention to detail that is extremely satisfying. There is also boldness and adventuressness, and not least of all a very pleasing sense of atmosphere. My only disappointment comes in the second movement, where in the quieter pastoral sections I find Stokowski's pace a little too slow, though I still appreciate the attractiveness he displays. In the Sibelius Violin Concerto, Francescatti and Bernstein offer some pleasing moments, though the idiomatic and atmospheric elements are a little shortchanged. Despite this, Francescatti realizes some nicely expressive tonal shadings and accents. A different sort of performance from Heifetz and Oistrakh, but one that stands well on its own merit. Otherwise, I find Hickox's Finlandia presentation somewhat wayward. We should have been given Ormandy's solid and moving version with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, although I could have done without his views here on Valse Triste and the Karelia Suite, especially the latter, which would have benefitted from a livelier, more atmospheric approach.

Brilliant #2...The Remainder of These 2 CD's are Worthless.......2001-02-06

Sony should have re-released only the Schippers on a single CD. This is the most brilliant reading of this difficult symphony I have ever heard. As for #1...Stokowski hit his high point as a conductor with the pap from "Fantasia"...it was all downhill for him after that. The best recording of Finlandia is Sir Colin Davis/Boston Symphony. Richard Hickox is a nullity and his conducting shows that in ample display with this reading. As for Eugene Ormandy and his Karelia...Stravinsky said it best..."Ormandy is an ideal conductor of Strauss waltzes." The Violin Concerto is serviceable, but nothing special...Good playing by Francescatti, but an indifferent accompaniment by Bernstein and his charges.

Not essential for Sibelians.......2000-04-04

I have heard countless recordings of the Sibelius symphonies, so from my perspective as a listener and as a conductor, I would recommend other recordings of these works. Firstly, the tempi in the recordings of the 1st and 2nd Symphonies are generally wrong. Sibelius was one of those composers who was particular about interpretations of his music, with only a slight flexibility. What Stokowski achieves, on the other hand, is a beautiful musical and emotional thread, as he always did. He brought out interesting harmonic balances and shadings in the "Swan of Tuonela" recording that many other recordings of the work lack. The Swan is obviously music that is perfectly suited to Stokowski's typical poetic treatment and wizardry. Zino Francescatti's recording of the Violin Concerto is actually quite good. Bernstein's accompaniment is lovingly dedicated. Bernstein ignores less of Sibelius's tempi here than he usually did. Francescatti is really in top form in this recording, and even though I'm not a big fan of mid-20th century styles of violin playing, I think that Francescatti displays a great deal of integrity, coupled with an obvious Mediterranean passion. This aesthetic is not too far removed from Sibelius's intent, since the composer frequently visited Italy around the time he wrote the work (The 2nd Symphony was actually composed in Italy). However, there's much of the Northern temperament in this work as well.

The recording of the 2nd Symphony is just wrong. Thomas Schippers had little understanding of Sibelius's music, in my opinion. The tempi are mostly incorrect, and the orchestral playing here is dull.

Overall, the recordings are interesting though.

Average customer rating: Okko Kamu - a great Sibelian reaches Berlin Best Recording of These Sibelius Works Not impressed

Sibelius: Symphony No. 2; Finlandia; Valse Triste Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Sibelius | Sibelius, Jean | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Tone Poems | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Mahler: Symphony No. 1 Debussy: Nocturnes No1-3; Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune Tchaikovsky: Symphonies no 4, 5, & 6 / Karajan, Berlin PO Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 5 Prokofiev: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 5: Lieutenant Kijé ASIN: B00004Z33P Release Date: 2001-09-18

Tracks:

1. Finlandia - Berlin Phil/Herbert Von Karajan
2. Sym No.2 in D: 1. Allegretto
3. Sym No.2 in D: 2. Tempo Andante, Ma Rubato
4. Sym No.2 in D: 3. Vivacissimo
5. Sym No.2 in D: 4. Finale: Allegro Moderato
6. Valse Triste - Berlin Phil/Herbert Von Karajan
7. The Swan Of Tuonela - Gerhard Stempnik

Customer Reviews:

Okko Kamu - a great Sibelian reaches Berlin.......2005-11-26

Finnish conductor Okko Kamu, now largely forgotten, made recordings of Scandinavian music with his own Helsinki Radio Sym. for DGG and other labels a generation ago. So far as I know he only got to record with the Berlin Phil. once, in this 1970 Sibelius Second. This was Karajan's orchestra, of course, but he chose not to record this symphony a third time(his two version are on EMI with the Philharmonia and BPO), so perhaps that gave Kamu an opening.

In any event, the orchestra plays magnificently, the sonics are fine, and the performance is first rate. Sibelius is open to so many interpretive styles that I sometimes think there's no such thing as a bad Sibelius Second. This one is flexible, at times fiery and explosive, always expressive, and tremendously viruosic. Only the finale, which begins with a slow, low-key build, may give pause. The additional fillers are the familiar, and very successful ones from Karajan. Five stars.

Best Recording of These Sibelius Works.......2004-04-17

I've never heard any better recordings of any of these works. Herbert Von Karajan and the Berliner Philharmoniker play Sibelius' Finlandia with an excitement that no other conductor has ever conducted with, and he knows where to slow down and where to accellerate his tempi in this recording of the piece. I can say the same thing about the Symphony No. 2 recording. Okku Kamu actually does do better than most conductors on all four movements. The recording of the second mvt. here makes Sir Colin Davis's, Eugene Ormandy's, and Lorin Maazel's sound pathetic. The movements in this symphony have never before had this much beauty or excitement. Valse Triste is played with a real sense of sadness and beauty in which other conductors seem to speed up the tempo during this piece. Herbert Von Karajan really is the star of that Valse Triste recording, and with The Swan of Tuonela too. The Swan of Tuonela has never been conducted in a not-so-slow, not-so-fast pace by anyone. All the other conductors seem to go at a snails pace for no good reason in their recordings of The Swan of Tuonela, even Lorin Maazel.
These are the absolute best performances of 4 of Sibelius's great orchestral works I've ever heard.

Not impressed.......2004-01-18

When I first played this disc, the opening bars of Finlandia made me excited for the rest of the album. Unfortunately, I was only disappointed. Although Karajan's Finlandia is well done, it seems that this success is only due to the simplicity of the work.
The 2nd Symphony was where the majority of my problems lay. Despite the lush beauty of string playing that the BPO is famous for, the orchestra's sound is too often imbalanced, the strings sometimes obliterating the winds. Also, it seems, during the final two movements, especially, that too many sacrifices are made for the sake of speed and volume. The intonation is, at times, horrendous, and the symphony's glorious conclusion is ruined by the thoughtless, strident brass playing. There are many recordings available, I just picked the wrong one.

Average customer rating: Great, except for the concerto Superb 5th of Sibelius Magnificent Excellent Compilation, unbeatable price Great compilation

Panorama: Jean Sibelius Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Sibelius | Sibelius, Jean | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Tone Poems | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Panorama: Sergey Prokofiev Panorama: Felix Mendelssohn Panorama: Franz Schubert Vaughan Williams: Symphony No. 5, etc. Panorama: Frederic Chopin ASIN: B00004XN6L Release Date: 2000-10-17

Tracks:

1. Karelia Suite, Op. 11: Intermezzo. Moderato - Helsinki Radio Symphony Orchestra
2. Karelia Suite, Op. 11: Ballade. Tempo di menuetto - Helsinki Radio Symphony Orchestra
3. Karelia Suite, Op. 11: Alla marcia. Moderato - Helsinki Radio Symphony Orchestra
4. Valse triste
5. The Swan of Tuonela, op. 22 no. 3
6. Symphony no. 2 in D major, op. 43: Allegretto
7. Symphony no. 2 in D major, op. 43: Tempo andante, ma rubato
8. Symphony no. 2 in D major, op. 43: Vivacissimo -
9. Symphony no. 2 in D major, op. 43: Finale. Allegro moderato

Tracks:

1. Finlandia, op. 26
2. Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D minor, op. 47: Allegro moderato - Christian Ferras
3. Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D minor, op. 47: Adagio di molto - Christian Ferras
4. Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D minor, op. 47: Allegro ma non tanto - Christian Ferras
5. Symphony no. 5 in E flat major, op. 82: Tempo molto moderato -
6. Symphony no. 5 in E flat major, op. 82: Allegro moderato
7. Symphony no. 5 in E flat major, op. 82: Andante mosso, quasi allegretto
8. Symphony no. 5 in E flat major, op. 82: Allegro molto

Customer Reviews:

Great, except for the concerto.......2004-08-29

The orchestral works by Sibelius are excellent. Very dark and heavy, but dramatic and powerful. The Berlin Philharmonic is excellent on this recording.

It would warrant five stars except for the recording of the violin concerto. I can hear that with a good violinist playing (unfortunately, I don't have any other recordings) it could be beautiful, but Christian Ferras at times uses so much vibrato that you can barely hear the pitch (he has one of those wide and fast vibratos that make you shiver). For instance, in the first minute or so of the first movement, there is a hauntingly beautiful violin melody against a sparse orchestral accompaniment, yet Ferras butchers it by playing far too loud and with far too much vibrato. Ferras plays the showy sections correctly technically, but musically he makes them sound terrible. He doesn't make them fit in with the rest of the concerto; he makes some sections sound almost like etudes.

The rest of the CD is great. Enjoy.

Superb 5th of Sibelius.......2004-06-04

Alot of people just don't understand how great Herbert K really was...Sibelius himself said he was the only conductor who fully understood his music! Add to that the intensity of tone and wonderful focused sound of the Berlin Phil and you have a group that seemed designed to perform Sibelius..

The Valse Triste of Sibelius has never been played better by anyone..only Beecham is the competitor in this field...Kamu is super in the Second and generates alot of electricity...he is a very underrated musician today..Check Kamu out with Berwald on Naxos.

Magnificent.......2004-05-19

On the Sibelius Violin Concerto with Christian Ferras. Astonishingly underrated. I was quite overwhelmed by it. (Only David Oistrakh is any thing like as good.) None of the showy scraping `gypsy' violin style, just nobility, power, strength and seriousness, which is just what Sibelius is said to have wanted. Apparently, Sibelius marked a slower tempo in the first movement than he might have done just to deter violinists from using it for virtuoso display. Ferras plays this piece as if it were a symphony: passionate with a superb full tone and magnificent intonation. Very good recording quality too. Karajan gives him just the right support: dark, powerful, purposive. Ferras isn't quite as well known these days as some other violinists - this may be partly owning to the fact that he died comparatively young, aged only 49 in 1982. I can't recommend it too highly. The Karajan Sibelius 5 is well-known as superb. Just list to the horns at the beginning of the last movement. Kamu's Sibelius 2 is less well-known, but is magnificent. The Berlin Phil brass play wonderfully, as do the rest of the orchestra - the ending, as is not always the case manages to be infinitely powerful without being bombastic.

Excellent Compilation, unbeatable price.......2002-01-10

This is a must buy for Sibelius fans, and also people who want to know more about Sibelius' work. Karajan do a great job here, present the probably greatest performance of Symphony 5 and Finlandia among all known recording(although performance of Valse triste is far from excellent). Once you listen to the opening of Sym 5 1st mvt, you can feel the wildness and grandeur of Scandinavia immediately. Violin Concerto performed by Ferras is lyric and delicate. it is also a favourite to me, since I am bored by the sparkling style of Heifetz that make me shivering. I recommanded all classical listener who do not own any Sibelius take this disc to your first collection.(since it is far cheaper than the DG original Symphony 4-7 by Karajan).You will be fascinated.

Great compilation.......2000-10-18

Here we have a gathering of the finest performances of the most wellknown Sibelius-works available in the archives of Deutsche Gramophone. 2 CD's for the price of one makes up for a great bargain. Karajan, as always, is focused in creating a mix of as much beauty and power as possible. In this kind of music it works off quite well, especially in the Finlandia, The Swan of Tounela and the 5th symphony, that all are exceptionally fine. The violin concerto and the 'valse triste', though, are wellplayed and beautiful (that goes for violin soloist Ferras too) - yes - but lacking some nerve and passion, and especially the valse trist is done a little too slow.

Okku Kamu's, the other baton-holder of this compilation, account begins very good with a splendid performance of the Karelia suit that shows his understanding of the works diversity - he and the Helsinki SO sounds natural, charming and playful - yet intense and making you feel the underlying seriousness that always is there in Sibelius music. His rendition of the 2nd symphony, a work about the finnish emotions and patriotic struggle against a greater power (Russia, Sweden), is - emotional, dark and vivid. Here he plays with the Berliner PO (as is the case with all the Karajan tracks) who produces great detail to what is an over all splendid performance.

All together, most of the performances on this CD is top-of-the-list. The fact that two of them aren't (the Valse triste and the violin concerto), does, however, not mean that they're bad, not at all. Karajan brings forth the splendid beauty in Sibelius' music, while Kamu finds more of the natural aspects, seriousness and mysticism. They're a perfect match, giving you an extremely good compilation of a great semi-modern composer at his best. So if you want a good glimpse of what is so great about Sibelius - you just can't afford to miss this record.

Average customer rating:

Sibelius: Greatest Hits Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Sibelius | Sibelius, Jean | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Incidental Music | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Tone Poems | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Symphonies | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Grieg: Greatest Hits Saint-Saëns: Greatest Hits Rimsky-Korsakov: Greatest Hits Debussy's Greatest Hits Dvorak: Greatest Hits ASIN: B000002C63 Release Date: 1995-11-14

Tracks:

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

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 All Works by Sibelius | Sibelius, Jean | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Incidental Music | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Tone Poems | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | 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 Tchaikovsky: Symphonies Nos. 1-6 Schumann: Symphonies 1-4; Manfred Overture EMI Great Recordings of Century - Brahms: Symphonies Nos. 1-4/Klemperer Mahler: Symphony No. 4; Berlioz: Le Corsaire ASIN: B00003ZKRM Release Date: 2000-05-09

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

1. Scenes Historiques - Stes I & II: All' Overtura Op.25 No.1
2. Scenes Historiques - Stes I & II: The Hunt Op.66 No.1
3. Scenes Historiques - Stes I & II: Scena Op.25 No.2
4. Rakastava, Op.14: 1. The Lover
5. Rakastava, Op.14: 2. The Way Of The Lover
6. Rakastava, Op.14: 3. Goodnight, My Beloved, Farewell
7. Romance in C, Op.42
8. Sym No.6 in d, Op.104: I. Allegro Molto Moderato
9. Sym No.6 in d, Op.104: II. Allegretto Moderato
10. Sym No.6 in d, Op.104: III. Poco Vivace
11. 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:

Sibelius: Orchestral Works (Limited Edition) Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Sibelius | Sibelius, Jean | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Tone Poems | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Maazel, Lorin | ( M ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music ASIN: B00006OA66 Release Date: 2002-01-01

Average customer rating: LITTLE BOX CONTAINS BIG THRILLS !!!!!

Complete Recordings on Deutsche Grammophon Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Berg | Berg, Alban | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Franz Joseph Haydn | Haydn, Franz Joseph | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Sibelius | Sibelius, Jean | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Stravinsky | Stravinsky, Igor | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Webern | Webern, Anton von | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rachmaninov | Rachmaninov, Sergei | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Classical | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Tone Poems | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Contemporary | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Ferenc Fricsay: A Life in Music The 1950s Concerto Recordings CARL SCHURICHT Decca Recordings 1949-1956 Igor Markevitch Complete 1950s Solo Recordings ASIN: B0002ANQX6 Release Date: 2004-09-14

Customer Reviews:

LITTLE BOX CONTAINS BIG THRILLS !!!!!.......2004-09-15

JUST GOT THIS ONE TODAY. MY MOM GAVE ME MONEY FOR IT (THANK YOU, MOMMY!!!) I HAVE BEEN LISTENING TO IT ALL AFTERNOON AND AM EXTREMELY PLEASED WITH IT. I THINK YOU WILL BE TOO. SOME OF THESE RECORDINGS HAVE BEEN PREVIOSLY RELEASED ON CD (THE SIBELIUS AND THE HAYDN DISCS ARE THE ONES I ALREADY HAD), BUT THE NEW STUFF IS WORTH GETTING THE WHOLE BOX FOR. THIS INCLUDES STEREO RECORDINGS OF BEETHOVEN 5TH PIANO CONCERTO WITH CASADESUS AND A PETROUCHKA BOTH WITH CONCERTGEBOUW AND A BERG, WEBERN, AND STRAVINKY AGON DISC THAT WAS ORIGINALLY ON WESTMINSTER IN THE 50S. SPECIAL MENTION SHOULD ALSO BE MADE OF THE PIECES BY BORIS BLACHER. NOT FAMILIAR MUSIC, BUT I CONFESS I REALLY LIKED IT IMMEDIATELY. SOUND QUALITY IS GREAT THROUGHOUT THE SET, SOME MONO, BUT THEY ALL SOUND FANTASTIC. IF YOU'RE NOT FAMILIAR WITH HANS ROSBAUD, THIS IS A GOOD PLACE TO START. IN MY HUMBLE OPINION ONE OF THE GREATEST CONDUCTORS. SHAME ON EMI/IMG FOR NOT INCLUDING HIM IN THE SO-CALLED "GREAT CONDUCTORS OF THE 20TH CENTURY" SERIES. HE WAS A GREAT CONDUCTOR !!! DON'T TAKE MY WORD FOR IT, ASK STRAVINSKY OR BOULEZ !!! ALSO GIVE THIS A TRY, YOU'LL WONDER WHY THIS GUY ISN'T MENTIONED IN THE SAME BREATH AS FURTWANGLER, KARAJAN, ETC. A TRULY IMPORTANT AND UNMISSABLE ISSUE. THANKS TO DEUTSCHE GRAMOPHONE AND THANK YOU TO YOU FOR READING MY REVIEW !!!!

Average customer rating: Fine orchestra; excellent sound; strange conducting... A Great Overall Selection Sibelius Stew Solid value

Best Of Sibelius Manufacturer: Naxos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Sibelius | Sibelius, Jean | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Tone Poems | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs Under $7 | Symphonies | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Symphonies | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Symphonies | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Best of Haydn The Best of Paganini The Best of Weber The Best of Mendelssohn Best of Prokofiev ASIN: B0000014HS Release Date: 1999-06-22

Tracks:

1. Finlandia, Op, 26
2. Romance In C Major, Op. 42
3. Karelia Suite, Op. 11 - Alla marcia
4. Valse Triste, Op. 44, No. 1
5. Andante Festivo
6. Lemminkainen's Return, Op. 22
7. Symphony No. 2 In D major, Op. 43 - Allegretto
8. Violin Concerto In D Minor, Op. 47 - Allegro ma non troppo
9. Rakastava, Op. 14 - Guten Abend
10. The Swan Of Tuonela, Op. 22, No. 23
11. Symphony No. 1 In E Minor, Op. 39 - Finale

Customer Reviews:

Fine orchestra; excellent sound; strange conducting..........2003-04-20

The orchestra deserves a 4 or 5, the recording a 5,
and the conductor a 3, or 2.
This CD produced by Naxos has excellent Sibelius
selections on it. The orchestra is very good; the
sound is excellent, with up front microphone
placements...the drawback is the conducting by
Kenneth Schermerhorn. Mr. Schermerhorn "favors"
slow pacings...which makes the "Finlandia" wind
up sounding mawkish (at times, it seems on the
verge of stalling out!); "The Swan of Tuonela" is

interesting, because the slowing down actually
allows the listener to more clearly hear the
changes in the various intonations and the
individual instruments caress the melodic line
with more sinuosity; the "Karelia Suite" sounds
a bit better, to me, slowed down to a sprightly,
instead of galloping, pacing.
This orchestra sounds as if it might have done
much better with a more spirited, but spiritually
acute, conductor. The engineers have produced all
that could be asked. Only buy this CD if you
want slowed down pacings...even though the sound
is great.
Cavet emptor -- buy at your own caution.

A Great Overall Selection.......2002-04-08

This CD features a wonderful assortment of some of Sibelius's best works. The quality of the recordings is very crisp and the performances are certainly satisfactory, if not even better. I highly recommend this CD to any newcomer to Sibelius; not only is this CD available at a reasonable price and excellent quality, but it moreover will give people a good idea of what Sibelius's music is like, and will surely contribute to everybody's appreciation of his works.

Sibelius Stew.......2000-04-18

Seeking the Valse Triste, I ordered this collection and found it less than satisfactory. To me, the sound was often harsh and the tempo sometimes lagged. It sounded like a student orchestra, and a small one at that. The violin solo in the concerto (excerpt) was weak. I'm giving my copy away.

Solid value.......1999-12-02

This CD offers the right "best" selections and the orchestra(Slovak, most often noted as CSR on most labels) is very, very good. If there is a 3% difference between the major US or Europe orchestras, it is hard to discern.

Average customer rating:

Sibelius: Symphony No. 2; Finlandia; Valse Triste; The Swan of Tuonela Manufacturer: Polygram Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Sibelius | Sibelius, Jean | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Tone Poems | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music ASIN: B00000419K Release Date: 1994-10-11

Tracks:

1. Symphony No. 2 In D, Op 43 - Allegretto - Poco Allegro - Tranquillo, Ma Poco A Poco Ravvivando Il Tempo Al Allegro
2. Symphony No. 2 In D, Op 43 - Tempo Andante, Ma Rubato - Andante Sosenuto
3. Symphony No. 2 In D, Op 43 - Vivacissimo - Lento E Suave - Largamente
4. Symphony No. 2 In D, Op 43 - Finale. Allegro Moderato
5. Finlandia, Op. 26
6. Valse Triste
7. The Swan Of Tuonela, Op. 22

Average customer rating:

Sibelius For Dummies Manufacturer: Angel Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Sibelius | Sibelius, Jean | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Tone Poems | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music ASIN: B000002S9F Release Date: 1996-10-29

Tracks:

1. Finlandia, Op.26 - Olso PO/Mariss Jansons
2. Sym No.2 In D, Op.43: I. Allegretto - Halle Orch/Sir John Barbirolli
3. The Swan Of Tuonela (from Four legends from the kalevala, Op.22) - Eric Fletcher/Halle Orch/Sir John Barbirolli
4. Pohjola's Daughter-Sym Fant, Op.49 - Halle Orch/Sir John Barbirolli
5. Valse triste (From Kuolema, Op.44) - Halle Orch/Sir John Barbirolli
6. Sym No.1 In e, Op.39: II. Andante (Ma non troppo lento) - Olso PO/Mariss Jansons
7. Vn Con In d, Op.47: III. Allegro ma non tanto - Frank Peter Zimmermann/Philharmonia Orch/Mariss Jansons
8. Non-Audio Content - Jean Sibelius

Music Review:

1. Soliloquies
2. Stanford: Serenade Op95; Parry: Nonet in Bf
3. Stanley: 11 Voluntaries
4. Streichquartett
5. Tchaikovsky: Swan Lake Suite/Nutcracker Suite
6. Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 3; Capriccio Italien
7. The Service of Venus And Mars: Music for the Knights of the Garter, 1340-1440 - Gothic Voices
8. The St. Paul's Service And Other Cathedral Music
9. Tomkins: Cathedral Music
10. Verdi/Strauss: String Quartets

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