Jean Sibelius: Violin Concerto in D minor (Original Version); Violin Concerto in D minor [Import]

Jean Sibelius (Composer), Osmo Vänskä (Conductor), Lahti Symphony Orchestra (Orchestra) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Orchestra: Lahti Symphony Orchestra
• Conductor: Osmo Vänskä
• Composer: Jean Sibelius
• Audio CD (November 23, 1992)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Bis
• ASIN: B0000016GW
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #53,883 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Violin Concerto in D minor, Op. 47: I. Allegro moderato

2. Violin Concerto in D minor, Op. 47: II. Adagio di molto

3. Violin Concerto in D minor, Op. 47: III. Allegro (ma non tanto)

4. Violin Concerto in D minor, Op. 47: I. Allegro moderato

5. Violin Concerto in D minor, Op. 47: II. Adagio di molto

6. Violin Concerto in D minor, Op. 47: III. Allegro, ma non tanto

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unique Sibelius recording, May 28, 2001

By 

Shirley van Eeden (Somerset West, Cape South Africa) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Jean Sibelius: Violin Concerto in D minor (Original Version); Violin Concerto in D minor (Audio CD)

This recording by Leonidas Kavakos is unique in that it is the only recording of the original version of Sibelius's score. The original is longer and includes extended and more virtuosic cadenzas and passage work. Sibelius's revision of the work resulted in some of these sections being cut. This improved the form and structure of each movement and the piece as a whole. Kasvakos's intimate knowledge of both the original and later revised additions enhance his performance immeasurably on this CD. For lovers of this great warhorse, this is without doubt a most worthwhile addition to one's collection. And....... there's the remarkable performance of a stunning, contemporary violinist to boot. We shall be hearing more from Leonidas Kavados!!

21 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent performances, second guessing sometimes wrong, October 15, 2006

By 

KDS - See all my reviews

This review is from: Jean Sibelius: Violin Concerto in D minor (Original Version); Violin Concerto in D minor (Audio CD)

This is a wonderful performance. I strongly disagree with the reviewer who claims that the revised version is infinitely superior to the original, in fact, I find the original preferable. it is more in line with the Sibelius scale and development of his larger works. The cut portions are not insignificant, and I find them to "complete" the work that I always felt was a little too straight forward and not nearly as experimental as Sibelius' other works.

The performances are excellent. Both soloist and orchestra are in top form, with a marvelous direction by one of my new favorite conductors, Osmo Vanska.

As a sound engineer, It continually surprises me how little most of the public knows about the relative sizes of individual instrument's dynamic levels. I wonder if these people ever go to see a symphony orchestra live. The reviewer who claims the soloist is too recessed apparently is unaware just how "small" a violin will sound in a hall with a full orchestra. A solo violin will be buried by an orchestra. The exaggerated
"up close" positioning of a soloist is artificial and inappropriate. This recording balances the soloist and orchestra beautifully. It should be noted however, that it does suffer the exaggerated upper end characteristic of BIS records.

All in all, an excellent recording.

21 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Sibelius Violin Concerto Recording Ever, May 4, 2004

By 

Amadeus 888 (Athens) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Jean Sibelius: Violin Concerto in D minor (Original Version); Violin Concerto in D minor (Audio CD)

This Sibelius-Kavakos recording when it was originally released in 1991 was voted:
-"Best Concerto Recording 1991" (GRAMOPHONE Award)
-"Record of the year 1991" (The U.K. Sibelius Society)
-"Pick of the year " (Classic CD, the U.K.)
- Records of the year 1991 ( Helsingin Sanomat)
- The First ever Gold Record of orchestral music: 25.000 copies sold in Finland (8.12.1992)