Search - Jean Sibelius, Paavo Jarvi, Solveig Kringelborn :: Sibelius - Lemminkäinen Suite · Luonnotar · Nightride and Sunrise / Royal Stockholm P.O. · Paavo Järvi

Worth it for the Sunrise

01/11/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I found this to be a mixed bag -- the lesser known items from Lemminkainen are played with vim and vigor but that can only accomplish so much, and the central Swan of Tuonela is not on par with the best versions. Luonnotar is given a gripping performance, at a tempo moderately quicker than the elder Jarvi's recent DG version -- I found Paavo's approach more succesful, with a more blended vocal line. The highlight of the disc for me was Night Ride and Sunrise, given a emotionally powerful and communicative performance that leaves one wondering why it is not better known. Lastly, I disagree with our friend from Gramophone -- I can't imagine better sound. Worthwhile for all Sibelians, especially if your collection is without the first piece."

Tepid readings, provincial orchestra, but wonderful music

Santa Fe Listener | Santa Fe, NM USA | 02/21/2007

(3 out of 5 stars)

"There are budget reissues of this Virgin CD from Paavo Jarvi and the Royal Stockholm orchestra, and anyone who doesn't know Sibelius' great Four Legends might want to start with it. The recorded sound is warm and full, and the Royal Stockholm orchestra sounds reasonably good. As other reviewers note, the rarely heard vocal scene, Luonnotar, is the musical highlight here, perhaps along with the Night Ride and Sunrise tone poem. But Lemminkanen contains the greatest music, and here Jarvi is underhwelming. One only has to listen to his tepid Swan of Tuonela (the second Legend) to yearn for great readings from a host of conductors, including Stokowski, Bernstein, and Karajan. As for the Legends, the hard-to-find Moscow Phil. recording under Vassily Sinaisky bursts with life and passion--it will make a convert of anyone."