Customer Reviews

Sibelius: Symphony No. 4; Pohjola's Daughter; Finlandia; Leif Segerstam Helsinki Philharmonic; Polytech Male Choir

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

 

 

This album, performed by the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Leif Segerstam, contains an interesting program opening with an expansive and heartfelt Pohjola's Daughter that actually manages to elicit a slight grin as it progresses from its morose beginnings. The incredibly austere Symphony No. 4 is performed as soberly as I've ever heard; its slightest hint of "gladness" manifested in the third movement is never allowed to exceed the bounds of a concept formed of severe propriety. This being no exception, I continue to find each performance of this symphony interesting in its own way. The Finlandia here includes a concluding section with male choir - first I've heard it. Otherwise, I find it dutifully, but comparatively dully performed.

The performances present Sibelius in a lush and luxuriant sonic framework as is consistent with Segerstam's entire cycle on the Finnish Ondine label. The recording itself is close-up and vivid, but with adequate space around the various orchestral timbres to make listening comfortable. There's also an extremely wide dynamic range which should please audiophiles.