Symphony 1 / Karelia Suite

Sibelius (Artist), Ashkenazy (Artist), Philharmonia Orchestra (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 25, 1990)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Polygram Records
• ASIN: B00000E2YU
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #167,734 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Symphony No. 1 in E minor, Op. 39: I. Andante, Ma Non Troppo - Allegro Energico

2. Symphony No. 1 in E minor, Op. 39: II. Andante (Ma Non Troppo Lento)

3. Symphony No. 1 in E minor, Op. 39: III. Scherzo. Allegro

4. Symphony No. 1 in E minor, Op. 39: IV. Finale Quasi una Fantasia. Andante - Allegro Molto

5. Karelia Suite, for orchestra, Op. 11: No. 1, Intermezzo

6. Karelia Suite, for orchestra, Op. 11: No. 2, Ballade

7. Karelia Suite, for orchestra, Op. 11: No. 3, Alla marcia

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Very nice but not definitive, March 12, 2011

By 

R. Germinario (Toronto, Ontario) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Symphony 1 / Karelia Suite (Audio CD)

Luscious sound by a very competent orchestra. Splendid, spacious outer movements where the beautiful strings really shine.
However, regarding the second movement (Andante), I`m more used to a slower, more heart-felt tempo (example- Bernstein/Vienna/1990 on DG, at 11 minutes) than Ashkenazy`s 10 minutes. The playing is quite fine, yet what is actually conveyed is more straight-forward and meticulous. I basically listened to this movevement rather than preferring to experience it emotionally. To me, this movement is the most important of the whole symphony.
Still recommended, but not unforgettable.