Amazing Sibelius Symphonies!!
Louie Bourland | Garden Grove CA | 01/02/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
""The Complete Symphonies" captures definitive interpretations of the seven symphonies by the great Finnish composer Jean Sibelius conducted by the late maestro Leonard Bernstein.
Each symphony in this 4-disc set is presented in amazing remastered sound quality displaying full dynamic range and sharpness. The beauty of this music is definitely readily apparent from the opening notes through the very end.
In addition, the CD booklet includes a brief but highly informative essay in which the history behind each symphony is explained in just enough detail to understand its genesis.
All in all, this is a fantastic set of Sibelius's masterful symphonies wonderfully executed by the baton of Mr. Bernstein. Applause also must be given to Sony Music for compiling these symphonies into one complete set. Bravo.
It doesn't get much better than this.
Highly recommended!!"
A sincere tribute!
Hiram Gomez Pardo | Valencia, Venezuela | 07/08/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This set has peak and lows. The second symphony has a hyper romantic approach ; that's its weak point. The third symphony is well built, besides it lacks the nature blow with its wildful force. The first symphony has always been a hazardous for many conductors. It has too much influence from Tchaikovsky ; and Bernstein knows it ; he avoids it , even the reading is warmth.
The best achievements in the set are the four and the sixth . I've never heard a sixth so well made ; the woodwinds , the strings give that atmosphere that demands this complex work. The fourth is unforgettable , but there's a performance of Beecham in the fifties with the Royal Philarmonic literally unique. The seventh is OK, but there are other options.
The fifth is weak , and my favorite versiona are two: Segerstam and Koussevitzki.
Anyway I bought this set eight years ago under The Royal Edition. I recommend you this set , Maazel Vienna , Segerstam and all you can get from Koussevitski.
If you request me by Anthony Collins - London Symphony (out of stock in the most of stores) I must confess, Collins has no equals in the Second .
The best first to me is Victor de Sabata (New York Philarmonic)(See my review about De Sabata)"
A Sibelius Cycle To Consider
J. Rich | 10/04/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Bernstein is often praised for his Tchaikovsky and Mahler recordings, but what many people seem to forget is how great a conductor he was of Sibelius' music. He keeps this music aggressively afloat and avoids the meandering trappings that lesser conductors take to make up for their lack of power and control on the podium. Rest assured, these symphonies are given the Bernstein workout. One passionate note at a time, which for me, works for Sibelius' music. Too often you have a conductor like Barbirolli or Davis who sleepwalks through these symphonies. I have heard almost every modern Sibelius symphony cycle on the market. The ones I keep coming back to are Segerstam/Ondine, Berglund/EMI, Vanska/BIS, and this Bernstein cycle.
The highlights for me are his readings of symphonies 1-3 and 6, "Pohjola's Daughter," and "Luonnotar." These performances alone are worth the price of the whole set. The NY Philharmonic Orchestra are just outstanding. They give intense performances that are memorable. The audio quality is also excellent.
You simply can't go wrong with these recordings. If you love Sibelius and like Bernstein, then I see no reason why you shouldn't acquire this cycle. 4 1/2 stars"
Track Listings (7) - Disc #1