The Snowshoed Sibelius

[Dancing Divertimentian]

Not for me. If I had to pick a favorite work it would Symphony No. 4. It's turbulent, but completely bold and genuine in its directness. It also shows a transition from darkness to light and all of the conflicts and confrontations in-between. Truly a masterpiece.

The fourth symphony is definitely up there. A perfect sidekick to the violin concerto.

[Mirror Image]

The fourth symphony is definitely up there. A perfect sidekick to the violin concerto.

Another Sibelius work which just completely mesmerizes me is The Oceanides. I simply can't believe my ears each time I listen to it.

[Jo498]

Can someone recommend a recording of the "symphonic poems" besides Finlandia and Tapiola? I think I haven't even heard most of them.

[Sergeant Rock]

Can someone recommend a recording of the "symphonic poems" besides Finlandia and Tapiola? I think I haven't even heard most of them.

Here's a recent thread on the subject:

http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,23518.msg827323.html#msg827323


Sarge

[Mirror Image]

Can someone recommend a recording of the "symphonic poems" besides Finlandia and Tapiola? I think I haven't even heard most of them.

Yes, try this recording:



I'm not sure of this recording's availability nowadays, but it will definitely get your foot into the door. Fine performances from Vanska/Lahti all-around.

[Jaakko Keskinen]

What do you think is Sibbe's best symphonic poem? Most people answer Finlandia (from which I've heard that, considering it's origins, it isn't symphonic poem technically at all), Swan of Tuonela (which was intended as overture for his wagnerian opera project) or Tapiola which I like all but there are so many other high-quality symphonic poems. Even smaller ones such as The Dryad. If I had to say one it is without a question Pohjola's daughter. It is overwhelming. I find it kind of sad that Sibelius never composed tone poem about Sampo in Kalevala.

And some people here seem to really like The Wood Nymph.

[North Star]

What do you think is Sibbe's best symphonic poem? Most people answer Finlandia...

I'd hate to be most people.

...(from which I've heard that, considering it's origins, it isn't symphonic poem technically at all), Swan of Tuonela (which was intended as overture for his wagnerian opera project) or Tapiola which I like all but there are so many other high-quality symphonic poems. Even smaller ones such as The Dryad. If I had to say one it is without a question Pohjola's daughter. It is overwhelming. I find it kind of sad that Sibelius never composed tone poem about Sampo in Kalevala.

And some people here seem to really like The Wood Nymph.

Wood Nymph is great, sure. So is the whole of Lemminkäinen Suite, and En Saga, and Pohjola's Daughter, and Oceanides. Luonnotar definitely, if it counts. But Tapiola is probably my favourite, very late and very sparse.
Is there a tone poem (or two..) by Sibelius that anyone thinks is somehow less brilliant than the others?

[Jaakko Keskinen]

Lemminkäinen suite and En Saga are probably my favorites after Pohjola's daughter. Case could be made for Luonnotar as well.

Less brilliant than others? Well, Nightride and sunrise is pretty monotonic. I like the very beginning most.

[North Star]

Lemminkäinen suite and En Saga are probably my favorites after Pohjola's daughter. Case could be made for Luonnotar as well.

Less brilliant than others? Well, Nightride and sunrise is pretty monotonic. I like the very beginning most.

And not everyone will agree with that. 
I think it's time I revisited the work.

Lounnotar, Opus 70

Barden, Opus 64

Öinen ratsastus & auringon nousu (Nightride & Sunrise), Opus 55

[vandermolen]

I'd hate to be most people.Wood Nymph is great, sure. So is the whole of Lemminkäinen Suite, and En Saga, and Pohjola's Daughter, and Oceanides. Luonnotar definitely, if it counts. But Tapiola is probably my favourite, very late and very sparse.
Is there a tone poem (or two..) by Sibelius that anyone thinks is somehow less brilliant than the others?

Very much agree with this although I also like 'The Bard'.

[North Star]

Very much agree with this although I also like 'The Bard'.

Well, one can't be expected to remember them all. 
Barden is a gem too, for sure.

[Dancing Divertimentian]

Can someone recommend a recording of the "symphonic poems" besides Finlandia and Tapiola? I think I haven't even heard most of them.

I mentioned this set a few pages back. It's great for some tone poem rarities, although it's no longer in print (yet again).




[asin]B0000CGP1U[/asin]

[North Star]

I mentioned this set a few pages back. It's great for some tone poem rarities, although it's no longer in print (yet again).

Hm, I don't know... If Bernard Michael O'Hanlon likes something, it's usually a bad sign. Or at least him disliking something is a very good sign indeed. 

[Dancing Divertimentian]

Yes, try this recording:



I'm not sure of this recording's availability nowadays, but it will definitely get your foot into the door. Fine performances from Vanska/Lahti all-around.

Second this one.

[Dancing Divertimentian]

Hm, I don't know... If Bernard Michael O'Hanlon likes something, it's usually a bad sign. Or at least him disliking something is a very good sign indeed. 

  Try to just forget you ever saw O'Hanlon's review. That might help.

[Madiel]

Yes, try this recording:



I'm not sure of this recording's availability nowadays, but it will definitely get your foot into the door. Fine performances from Vanska/Lahti all-around.

That's the one I bought only 2 months ago! From Presto Classical, although I wouldn't be surprised if it could still be obtained elsewhere as well.

[Mirror Image]

What do you think is Sibbe's best symphonic poem? Most people answer Finlandia (from which I've heard that, considering it's origins, it isn't symphonic poem technically at all), Swan of Tuonela (which was intended as overture for his wagnerian opera project) or Tapiola which I like all but there are so many other high-quality symphonic poems. Even smaller ones such as The Dryad. If I had to say one it is without a question Pohjola's daughter. It is overwhelming. I find it kind of sad that Sibelius never composed tone poem about Sampo in Kalevala.

And some people here seem to really like The Wood Nymph.

The Oceanides, Pohjola's Daughter, and Luonnotar remain three absolute favorites of mine. I simply could not choose between them. Tapiola is another favorite that deserves all the praise it can get, but I like it less than the afore mentioned works. I would probably pick it next after those three favorites, but Sibelius' orchestral oeuvre is so strong and diverse that it seems almost silly of me to even pick any favorites at all.

[Mirror Image]

That's the one I bought only 2 months ago! From Presto Classical, although I wouldn't be surprised if it could still be obtained elsewhere as well.

I wouldn't mind owning the whole Sibelius Edition from BIS. Maybe one day!

[vandermolen]

Well, one can't be expected to remember them all. 
Barden is a gem too, for sure.

Just bought this for 5p + postage on Amazon UK:
[asin]B00005NKRI[/asin]

[Wanderer]

BIS...they just did a Vanska/Lahti Sibelius album that had been half-released already...

Are you referring to this one?[asin]B00IU5PVQA[/asin]
I have been meaning to ask if this is a new recording of the Wood-Nymph.