Customer Reviews

Sibelius: Symphonies 1 & 2 / Violin Concerto / Finlandia

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

The Second Symphony is a real gem of that overwhelming conductor like Thomas Schippers was. Even if I do not agree with the timings due I guess are extremely contemplative.Nevertheless, it has personality and expressiveness .

The jewel of the crown is the first symphony conducted by Stoky, 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 think about the options, because this buy is worthable for the expossed reasons.

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.

This recording of the Sibelius 1st was released in the 70's using the short-lived "quadraphonic" sound on a Columbia LP. I have listened to MANY recordings of the 1st, and this is absolutely without question the very best! Stokowski uses just the right emphasis in the brass and timpani. The tempos are generally quick, especially the coda concluding the final movement, much unlike some conductors who drag the coda out, making it almost come to a complete stop! Thanks to Sony for reissuing this recording in CD format. Unfortunately, I wish I could say more about the other recordings on this release. Don't even waste your time listening to the 2nd symphony recorded by Thomas Schippers and the violin concerto with Francescatti and Berstein (For the Concerto, buy the Mutter/Previn recording!), both with the NY Phil. It's unfortunate that SONY didn't couple this marvelous recording of the 1st with other equally accomplished performances of the accompanying works.

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.

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.