The Snowshoed Sibelius

[amw]

That's extraordinary. The slowest version I have is Rozhdestvensky (9:51).

He is an outlier, obviously. I also own the second slowest version, Segerstam/DNRSO, at 10:00, and one of the fastest, Beecham/RPO, at 7:35 (though the orchestra can't always keep up).

It's clear that in his own time, almost all of Sibelius's music was played faster than is usual nowadays, although some conductors do attempt to approximate these tempi (Berglund COE, Vänskä Lahti, Mägi Uppsala etc).

Of recordings of the 6th, since I know most people who don't already view it the way I do won't be convinced by the Rosbaud recording, I usually recommend Blomstedt as first choice for overall emotional effect.

[aukhawk]

If we have to use words to paint pictures to describe music, for me the opening of the 6th evokes gothic arches, as of a ruined abbey by moonlight, or maybe of the sort that appear naturally in tall-standing forests.

I like Blomstedt having bought his coupling of the 4th and 5th when it was first released on CD, but haven't heard his other Sibelius recordings.  I listened to his 6th yesterday and was initially disturbed by the schmaltzy vibrato from the SF strings.  In this music I think a more keening tone works better - for example in Karajan's classic DG recording.  This music definitely seems to me to have some tristesse about it - although in saying that I may be unduly influenced by DG's cover image ...

[vandermolen]

If we have to use words to paint pictures to describe music, for me the opening of the 6th evokes gothic arches, as of a ruined abbey by moonlight, or maybe of the sort that appear naturally in tall-standing forests.

I like Blomstedt having bought his coupling of the 4th and 5th when it was first released on CD, but haven't heard his other Sibelius recordings.  I listened to his 6th yesterday and was initially disturbed by the schmaltzy vibrato from the SF strings.  In this music I think a more keening tone works better - for example in Karajan's classic DG recording.  This music definitely seems to me to have some tristesse about it - although in saying that I may be unduly influenced by DG's cover image ...

I like that cover image as well and I also think highly of Karajan's DGG recording. I like the old Anthony Collins version as well:

[Pohjolas Daughter]

If we have to use words to paint pictures to describe music, for me the opening of the 6th evokes gothic arches, as of a ruined abbey by moonlight, or maybe of the sort that appear naturally in tall-standing forests.

I like Blomstedt having bought his coupling of the 4th and 5th when it was first released on CD, but haven't heard his other Sibelius recordings.  I listened to his 6th yesterday and was initially disturbed by the schmaltzy vibrato from the SF strings.  In this music I think a more keening tone works better - for example in Karajan's classic DG recording.  This music definitely seems to me to have some tristesse about it - although in saying that I may be unduly influenced by DG's cover image ...

I have no idea what your image is of as all I get is the outlines of a big square with a small blue box with a question mark inside! 

PD

[vandermolen]

I have no idea what your image is of as all I get is the outlines of a big square with a small blue box with a question mark inside! 

PD

Is this any clearer?

[Pohjolas Daughter]

Is this any clearer?

Yes, brilliant!  Thank you. 

PD

[foxandpeng]

Nice!   

Just had an enjoyable revisit with it on this CD:



PD

This Sibelius 6. For me, amongst many worthy recordings, this is my current favourite.

If we have to use words to paint pictures to describe music, for me the opening of the 6th evokes gothic arches, as of a ruined abbey by moonlight, or maybe of the sort that appear naturally in tall-standing forests.

This is a lovely description. Thank you. Excellent.

[relm1]

What do people think of Bernstein's 1960's NYPO cycle?  He was on fire during this period so curious to check it out.

[Roasted Swan]

What do people think of Bernstein's 1960's NYPO cycle?  He was on fire during this period so curious to check it out.

+1 for Bernstein.  Only a fairly recent encounter for me via the remastered set but you're right it does blaze.  Not so much of the brooding Northern Forests going on here more your Kalevala Epics but I love it!

[DavidW]

Agreed, Bernstein's cycle is fantastic.  I didn't know that it had been remastered.  I really feel like it's time to start listening to some Sibelius today whether it be Vanska, Segerstam, Bernstein, Karajan... it is time for Sibelius!!

[Roasted Swan]

Agreed, Bernstein's cycle is fantastic.  I didn't know that it had been remastered.  I really feel like it's time to start listening to some Sibelius today whether it be Vanska, Segerstam, Bernstein, Karajan... it is time for Sibelius!!

you won't go wrong with any of those sets - although I'd add a bit of Berglund for extra Nordic cragginess!

[amw]

What do people think of Bernstein's 1960's NYPO cycle?  He was on fire during this period so curious to check it out.

Very likely the best version of No. 2 on record. A lot of the others are also pretty good.

[Brian]

Bernstein's NYPO 5th is my personal favorite also.
EDIT: To be more helpful - very warm romantic heartfelt interpretations, not the "icy cold" frigidity of some of the other cycles out there. Bigger richer orchestral sound. Suits me.

[DavidW]

you won't go wrong with any of those sets - although I'd add a bit of Berglund for extra Nordic cragginess!

Yes you convinced me.  I've been listening to Berglund today.  First the 6th then the 4th.

[calyptorhynchus]

On amw's recommendation I listened to Rosbaud's Sibelius 6 and, such is the spell of the work (probably my favourite Sibelius symphony), that didn't even notice that the first movement was very slow!

I listened on my streaming service (YouTube) but unfortunately it's obvious that, even though it's a great recording, the recording quality of the original isn't good enough to make it a recommendation.

Rosbaud's is my favourite Bruckner 7, and ever since hearing it I haven't enjoyed any recording with the cymbal clash and triangle in the slow movement.

[Symphonic Addict]

I agree - it's a wonderfully atmospheric and unique work. A few years ago I listened to it while walking outside in the snow - a most magical experience!

Snow + the 6th match quite well. It's almost inevitable to talk about that work without linking it with winter.

[Mirror Image]

What do people think of Bernstein's 1960's NYPO cycle?  He was on fire during this period so curious to check it out.

I like Bernstein's Sibelius cycle a lot. It's been remastered, so be sure to get the remastered set even if you have to buy it as a digital download. It's worth hearing for sure. I rank him as a top-drawer Sibelian without a doubt.

[vandermolen]

I like Bernstein's Sibelius cycle a lot. It's been remastered, so be sure to get the remastered set even if you have to buy it as a digital download. It's worth hearing for sure. I rank him as a top-drawer Sibelian without a doubt.

Same here.

[staxomega]

I listened to a transfer of the ICA Classics CD of Hans Rosbaud in the 6th. From the first movement where he seems to take most of his time is in the beginning leading up to the tympanis bringing in that "spring is in bloom", where he is about 30 seconds to a minute slower than most. The first movement sounds completely natural to me.

I generally find the raw soundboards from these Cologne Broadcasts sound better than ICA Classics or SWR reissues, here I find the ICA CD listenable.

[krummholz]

Snow + the 6th match quite well. It's almost inevitable to talk about that work without linking it with winter.

My feeling about it as well. As I recall, Sibelius's subtitle (or maybe more of a motto) for the work was "As shadows lengthen..."