Sibelius: Pelléas et Mélisande; Rakastava; Valse Triste

On this CD:

1. Pelléas et Mélisande, suite for orchestra (or piano), Op. 46
Composed by Jean Sibelius
Performed by English String Orchestra with Paul Arden Taylor
Conducted by William Boughton

2. Romance, for string orchestra in C major, Op. 42
Composed by Jean Sibelius
Performed by English String Orchestra
Conducted by William Boughton

3. Andante Festivo, for string orchestra (arranged from string quartet version)
Composed by Jean Sibelius
Performed by English String Orchestra
Conducted by William Boughton

4. Valse Triste, for orchestra (from Kuolema), Op. 44/1
Composed by Jean Sibelius
Performed by English String Orchestra
Conducted by William Boughton

5. Suite champêtre, for string orchestra (or piano), Op. 98b
Composed by Jean Sibelius
Performed by English String Orchestra
Conducted by William Boughton

6. Rakastava (The Lover), suite for string orchestra, triangle & timpani, Op. 14
Composed by Jean Sibelius
Performed by English String Orchestra
Conducted by William Boughton

7. Suite mignonne, for 2 flutes & strings, Op. 98a
Composed by Jean Sibelius
Performed by English String Orchestra
Conducted by William Boughton

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: Incidental Music for Orchestra

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Sibelius: Incidental Music for Orchestra

Manufacturer: Essay
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B000BDH5HW
Release Date: 2005-10-25

Sibelius: Pelléas et Mélisande; Rakastava; Valse Triste

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Sibelius: Pelléas et Mélisande; Rakastava; Valse Triste

Manufacturer: Nimbus Records
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Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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Tracks:

Pelleas et Melisande Ste Op.46: At the castle gate
Pelleas et Melisande Ste Op.46: Melisande
Pelleas et Melisande Ste Op.46: By the seashore
Pelleas et Melisande Ste Op.46: By a spring in the park
Pelleas et Melisande Ste Op.46: The three blind sisters
Pelleas et Melisande Ste Op.46: Pastorale
Pelleas et Melisande Ste Op.46: Melisande at the spinning wheel
Pelleas et Melisande Ste Op.46: Entr'acte
Pelleas et Melisande Ste Op.46: Melisande's death
Romance in C, Op.42
Andantino festivo
Valse Triste from Op.44
Ste champetre, Op.98b: I. Piece caracteristique
Ste champetre, Op.98b: II. Melodie elegiaque
Ste champetre, Op.98b: III. Danse
Rakastava, Op.14: I. The lover
Rakastava, Op.14: II. The way of the lover
Rakastava, Op.14: III. Goodnight-Farewell!
Ste Mignonne, Op.98a: I. Petite scene
Ste Mignonne, Op.98a: II. Polka
Ste Mignonne, Op.98a: III. Epilogue

Average customer rating:

Jean Sidelius Symphony no.2

Manufacturer: Nimbus Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Tracks:

Sym No.2 in D, Op.43: I. Allegretto
Sym No.2 in D, Op.43: II. Andante
Sym No.2 in D, Op.43: III. Vivacissimo
Sym No.2 in D, Op.43: IV. Allegro Moderato
Finlandia, Op.26
En Saga, Op.9
Pelleas Et Melisande Ste, Op.46: At The Castle Gate
Pelleas Et Melisande Ste, Op.46: Melisande
Pelleas Et Melisande Ste, Op.46: By The Seashoren
Pelleas Et Melisande Ste, Op.46: By A Spring In The Park
Pelleas Et Melisande Ste, Op.46: The Three Blind Sisters
Pelleas Et Melisande Ste, Op.46: Pastorale
Pelleas Et Melisande Ste, Op.46: Melisande At The Spinning-Wheel
Pelleas Et Melisande Ste, Op.46: Entr'acte
Pelleas Et Melisande Ste, Op.46: Melisande's Death
Romance in C, Op.42
Andante Festivo
Valse Triste From Op.44
Ste Champetre, Op.98b: I. Piece Caracteristique
Ste Champetre, Op.98b: II. Melodie Elegiaque
Ste Champetre, Op.98b: III. Danse
Rakastava, Op.14: I. The Lover
Rakastava, Op.14: II. The Way Of The Lover
Rakastava, Op.14: III. Goodnight - Farewell
Ste Mignonne, Op.98a: I. Petite Scene
Ste Mignonne, Op.98a: II. Polka
Ste Mignonne, Op.98a: III. Epilogue

Tracks:

Pelleas Et Melisande Ste, Op.46: At The Castle Gate
Pelleas Et Melisande Ste, Op.46: Melisande
Pelleas Et Melisande Ste, Op.46: By The Seashore
Pelleas Et Melisande Ste, Op.46: By A Spring In The Park
Pelleas Et Melisande Ste, Op.46: The Three Blind Sisters
Pelleas Et Melisande Ste, Op.46: Pastorale
Pelleas Et Melisande Ste, Op.46: Melisande At The Spinning-Wheel
Pelleas Et Melisande Ste, Op.46: Entr'acte
Pelleas Et Melisande Ste, Op.46: Melisande's Death
Romance in C, Op.42
Andante Festivo
Valse Triste From Op.44
Ste Champetre, Op.98b: I. Piece Caracteristique
Ste Champetre, Op.98b: II. Melodie Elegiaque
Ste Champetre, Op.98b: III. Danse
Rakastava, Op.14: I. The Lover
Rakastava, Op.14: II. The Way Of The Lover
Rakastava, Op.14: III. Goodnight - Farewell
Ste Mignonne, Op.98a: I. Petite Scene
Ste Mignonne, Op.98a: II. Polka
Ste Mignonne, Op.98a: III. Epilogue

The Most Peaceful Sibelius Album In The World

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The Most Peaceful Sibelius Album In The World

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

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00005QHVX
Release Date: 2002-02-05

Tracks:

Valse Triste, Op.44 - Philharmonia Orch/Paavo Berglund
Sym No.3 in C, Op.52: II. Andantino Con Moto, Quasi Allegretto (Opening) - Helsinki PO/Paavo Berglund
Vn Con in d, Op.47: II. Adagio Di Molto - Ida Haendel
Romance in C, Op.42 - Halle Orch/Sir John Barbirolli
Kuolema - Incidental Music, Op.44: Scene With Cranes - CBSO/Sir Simon Rattle
Sym No.1 in e, Op.39: II. Andante (Ma Non Troppo Lento) - Helsinki PO/Paavo Berglund
Ser No.2 in g, Op.69b - Ida Haendel
Rakastava, Op.14: I. The Lover - Halle Orch/Sir John Barbirolli
Rakastava, Op.14: II. Goodnight, My Beloved, Farewell - Halle Orch/Sir John Barbirolli
En Saga, Op.9 - BPO/Herbert Von Karajan

Tracks:

The Swan Of Tuonela, Op.22 No.4 - Philharmonia Orch/Paavo Berglund
King Christian II, Incidental Music, Op.27: I. Nocturne - Bournemouth SO/Paavo Berglund
King Christian II, Incidental Music, Op.27: II. Elegie - Bournemouth SO/Paavo Berglund
Sym No.6 in d, Op.104: I. Allegro Molto Moderato - Halle Orch/Sir John Barbirolli
Pelleas Et Melisande - Incidental Music, Op.46: I. Melisande - Bournemouth SO/Paavo Berglund
Pelleas Et Melisande - Incidental Music, Op.46: IX. The Death Of Melisande - Bournemouth SO/Paavo Berglund
The Oceanides, Op.73 - CBSO/Sir Simon Rattle
Karelia Ste, Op.11: Ballade - BPO/Herbert Von Karajan
The Bard, Op.64 - Bournemouth SO/Paavo Berglund
Andante Festivo - Oslo PO/Mariss Jansons

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Sibelius: Pelléas et Mélisande; Rakastava; Valse Triste

Manufacturer: Nimbus
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Sibelius: Pelleas Et Melisande Suite, Rakastava, Valse Triste

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Sibelius: Pelleas Et Melisande Suite, Rakastava, Valse Triste
William Boughton , and English String Orchestra
Manufacturer: Nimbus
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Tracks: