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Sibelius: Symphonies No 1 & 4 / Vanska, Minnesota

Sibelius / Vanska / Minnesota Orchestra
Release Date: 03/26/2013 
Label:  Bis   Catalog #: 1996  
Composer:  Jean Sibelius
Conductor:  Osmo Vänskä
Orchestra/Ensemble:  Minnesota Orchestra
Number of Discs: 1 
Recorded in: Multi 
Length: 1 Hours 14 Mins. 

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Notes and Editorial Reviews

Also available: Sibelius: Symphonies No 2 & 5 / Vänskä, Minnesota

Of all of Jean Sibelius’ seven symphonies, the two recorded here are those that reveal the furthermost poles of his symphonic art; the one an essay in the received tradition, the other a work so original and inward-looking as to open up an entirely new world. Composed right around the turn of the previous century, the First Symphony may be described as a pivotal work in Sibelius’s career, in that he here took a decisive step away from the Wagnerian world that had Read more occupied him so much in the 1890s, casting a personal vote of confidence in absolute music, and in the symphonic tradition. On the basis of a particular tunefulness, among other aspects, the First is often said to be the most Tchaikovskian of Sibelius’s symphonies. In contrast, the Fourth Symphony is extremely concise and highly concentrated both in terms of its musical material and the way Sibelius uses the orchestral forces – the scoring is in fact often compared to chamber music. Sibelius was well aware that his new symphony opened up an entirely foreign world, and said ‘there is absolutely nothing of the circus about it’. The initial reaction among critics and audiences was one of incomprehension and the work was denounced as ‘ultra-modern’ and even ‘cubist’. The present recording of these two works, by the Minnesota Orchestra and its music director Osmo Vänskä, follows on the same team’s disc with the Second and Fifth symphonies, hailed at its release as ‘a fine start to what may be the benchmark cycle for the 21st century’ by Gramophone, and nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Orchestral Performance. - Bis

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The Swedish label BIS Records has released the second recording of the Minnesota Orchestra’s acclaimed Sibelius symphonies series, a disc that includes the First Symphony, the work that confirmed Sibelius’ status as a Finnish national hero, and the enigmatic, starkly emotional Fourth Symphony. Conducting the performances is Music Director Osmo Vänskä, whose Sibelius interpretations have earned international acclaim. - Minnesota Orchestra Read less

Works on This Recording

1. Symphony no 4 in A minor, Op. 63 by Jean Sibelius
Conductor:  Osmo Vänskä
Orchestra/Ensemble:  Minnesota Orchestra
Period: Romantic 
Written: 1911; Finland 
2. Symphony no 1 in E minor, Op. 39 by Jean Sibelius
Conductor:  Osmo Vänskä
Orchestra/Ensemble:  Minnesota Orchestra
Period: Romantic 
Written: 1899; Finland 

Customer Reviews

Average Customer Review:  ( 2 Customer Reviews )
 Stunning Sibelius from Minnesota April 2, 2013 By W. Hecht (Exton, PA) See All My Reviews "The Sibelius 4th doesn't enjoy the great popularity of the 2nd and 5th (also available in a fine coupling from these same forces), and in fact many listeners find it hard going. Count me as part of the minority that hears the 4th as the absolute pinnacle of Sibelius' work. Spare, uncompromising, bleak, unconsoling, and desolate are just a few of the adjectives used by program annotator Robert Layton in his description of the piece, which was written by Sibelius following a battle with cancer. Each of these descriptors conveys a piece of the truth, but I'll borrow again from Mr. Layton for the words I find most apt: profoundly individual and deeply felt. This music provides a rare view deep into the heart and mind of a great composer, and Maestro Vanska and his Minnesotans rise magnificently to all of its challenges. This is the greatest 4th I've ever heard, live or recorded. The 1st is hardly lacking for fine recordings and this one holds its own well in the proverbial crowded field, but it's for the 4th that this disc must be heard. In terms of sonics BIS' latest recordings from Minnesota are now among the label's very considerable best, particularly in multichannel sacd mode." Report Abuse
 IIt is great! March 26, 2013 By David Blatchford (Mill Valley, CA) See All My Reviews "I LOVE Sibelius!" Report Abuse
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