Search - Akeo Watanabe, Japan Po :: Sibelius: Symphonies Nos.1-7 [Japan]

Loving last words from a Sibelius expert

Andrew R. Weiss | Raleigh, NC USA | 09/21/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The previous reviewer may be surprised to discover that this set is not Watanabe's original 1962 traversal of the Sibelius symphonies. These are digital re-recordings made in 1981 for Denon Japan. Five of the same performances -- symphonies 1, 2, 5 and 7 and the Swan and Valse Triste -- are also available on the "Classics Uncovered" 2-CD set.



The underlying feeling in all of these performances is love. It is clear that Watanabe loves this music and his dedication shines through every note. It is also clear that he knows the music intimately, and there is an intimacy in these performances which is quite different from the slightly rougher, more electric and sprightly performances from 1962. Intimacy in Sibelius, however, is not a bad thing -- he used his symphonies to express his inmost feelings in the same way Beethoven used his string quartets -- and these are beautiful readings to savor. Watanabe's understanding of Sibelius' structure is so deeply ingrained as to be instinctive; the phrasing is meticulous, the dynamics perfectly judged, and there is plenty of drama. That said, these performances will not hit you over the head with their dramatic points. They are more subtle.



Some symphonies fare better than others in comparing the remakes to the original 1962 set: for example, the third movement of the Sixth Symphony is sprightly and youthful in the 1962 version; by 1981, it is more of an older man's recollection of youth than the experience of youthfulness itself -- and that despite the essentially identical tempi. The Japan Philharmonic is also a far different orchestra on these recordings than it was in 1962: Watanabe had formed it barely two years' previous specifically to perform and record the Sibelius symphonies and it was a rough-and-ready ensemble with some intonation issues. The 1981 Japan Philharmonic is far more polished, a quality emphasized by the smooth, digital-cum-analog sound.



The symphony that fares the worst on remake is the Second: it feels a bit slack by comparison to Watanabe's terse, straightforward 1962 version with its excellently-judged dramatic arc in the finale. The Fourth, Fifth, Sixth and Seventh are all excellent, amongst the best on record. The First has never been one of my favorites, so I'm not the best observer of what makes for a great performance.



Watanabe also recorded the First, Fourth and Seventh live with the Helsinki Philharmonic around the same time as these recordings were made. Those recordings, available on Japanese TDK, are more amazing still, particularly the Fourth, which is a brooding masterpiece, and the Seventh, which is the single most satisfying performance of the piece I've heard. If you can find these, they make an excellent supplement to this set.



Watanabe was apparently much loved by the Finns as a Sibelius interpreter. It is easy to see why. While the 1962 set is traveling around in a bootlegged CD version, it is hard to come by (and presumably illegal). These performances are more easily available, and they are pretty close to the last word from one of the foremost Sibelius conductors of the mid-20th century. They deserve a place in your collection.

"

Wonderful alternate performance

Alan Montgomery | Oberlin, Oh USA | 08/18/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This may not be your first choice for Sibelius. You may prefer more luxurious orchestras or more acclaimed conductors. BUT this set, first issued in the US on Epic records, is amazing. Watanabe's mother was Finnish, so he understands the language background. The sound is not bad (I'm just ordering the CD) on the LPs, and the shaping of the music is absolutely first rate. The First Symphony builds beautifully to its climaxes, the Second is taken fast enough to keep pomposity out of it and to allow true grandeur to enter. It isn't too fast (not as fast as Beecham with RPO). The Third symphony is given an almost leisurely reading that truly captures the wit of the piece. The fourth is one of the best on records. I find the 5th a slight let down, but that is mainly because the last movement ends so abruptly (Sibelius' fault) and Watanabe does nothing to counteract that feeling. The sixth is, like the 4th, one of the best on records, as is the 7th. I'm a Sibelius addict, and I grew up on these recordings. How wonderful to see them once again in the catalogue. No, they aren't really lower priced, but compared to some of those with lower prices, better sound and sluggish performances (where taffy seems to be more secure), these are the real thing."