(http://www.sibelius.fi/english/kuvituskuvat/Jean_Sibelius_kokokuva_ulkona.gif)
What are your top 5 favorite Sibelius works? There's one stipulation here: you can only pick one symphony. Have fun! ;)
Here's my list (in no particular order):
Symphony No. 4
The Oceanides
Lemminkainen Suite
Violin Concerto
Luonnotar
Symphony № 6
Night-Ride & Sunrise
Valse triste
Tapiola
The Tempest
Quote from: karlhenning on May 05, 2015, 07:22:38 AM
Symphony № 6
Night-Ride & Sunrise
Valse triste
Tapiola
The Tempest
Hear, hear! I could have definitely chosen
Night Ride & Sunrise,
Symphony No. 6,
Tapiola, but those could have made my top 10. 8) I don't think I've honestly ever paid much attention to
Valse triste. Need to give this work a serious listen soon.
Symphony No.5
Kullervo
En saga
Wood-Nymph
Tapiola
Quote from: Sergeant Rock on May 05, 2015, 07:41:15 AM
Symphony No.5
Kullervo
En saga
Wood-Nymph
Tapiola
Great list, Sarge! Love all of those works.
Symphony #5
En Saga
Tapiola
Projola's Daughter
Luonnotar
Quote from: springrite on May 05, 2015, 07:42:42 AM
Symphony #5
En Saga
Tapiola
Projola's Pohjola's Daughter
Luonnotar
Corrected and great list, Paul. Good to see another pick for
Luonnotar. 8)
Quote from: Mirror Image on May 05, 2015, 07:44:13 AM
Corrected and great list, Paul. Good to see another pick for Luonnotar. 8)
Never been good at Finnish spelling!
I would have misspelled Luonnotar had you not provided one for me to copy and paste!
Quote from: springrite on May 05, 2015, 07:47:51 AM
Never been good at Finnish spelling!
I would have misspelled Luonnotar had you not provided one for me to copy and paste!
:D
Quote from: Mirror Image on May 05, 2015, 07:37:31 AM
Hear, hear! I could have definitely chosen Night Ride & Sunrise, Symphony No. 6, Tapiola, but those could have made my top 10. 8) I don't think I've honestly ever paid much attention to Valse triste. Need to give this work a serious listen soon.
It's a minor work, I don't know if it will sustain serious listening :)
I was definitely going to cheat with Kullervo, but then Sarge did it, too. 8)
Not in order of preference:
Symphony No.7
Violin Concerto (with a moderate preference to the original version)
Kullervo
En saga
Wood-Nymph
Quote from: karlhenning on May 05, 2015, 08:14:20 AM
It's a minor work, I don't know if it will sustain serious listening :)
Every composer has his own Fur Elise. ;)
Consarn that one symphony rule, I would have substituted the 7th for anything but the glorious & curious 6th :
Symphony #6
VC
En Saga
Wood Nymph
Tapiola
Pohjola's Daughter
Violin Concerto
Luonnotar
Karelia Suite
Symphony No. 5
===ACTUAL TOP FIVE===
Symphony No. 3
Symphony No. 5
Symphony No. 7
Pohjola's Daughter
Violin Concerto
Quote from: karlhenning on May 05, 2015, 08:14:20 AM
It's a minor work, I don't know if it will sustain serious listening :)
I've been listening to it, and enjoying it without tiring of it for half a century. My vote would be: sustainable.
Sarge
Violin concerto
5th symphony
Luonnotar
Karelia suite
In Memoriam
Quote from: karlhenning on May 05, 2015, 08:14:20 AM
It's a minor work, I don't know if it will sustain serious listening :)
;) Since it came from Sibelius' pen, it's definitely worth some serious listening.
Quote from: Sergeant Rock on May 05, 2015, 09:11:10 AM
I've been listening to it, and enjoying it without tiring of it for half a century. My vote would be: sustainable.
Sarge
+1, well a quarter of a century anyway.
I'm tempted to include
Tulen synty, Op. 32 (The Origin of Fire) for baritone, male choir & orchestra after listening to it just now, but here's the list I wrote earlier:
Symphony no. 6
Tapiola
Luonnotar
Pohjola's Daughter
Violin Concerto
Quote from: Sergeant Rock on May 05, 2015, 09:11:10 AM
I've been listening to it, and enjoying it without tiring of it for half a century. My vote would be: sustainable.
Sarge
Oh, sustain the listening, absolutely! (It's one of my five favorites!) Hmm, I wonder if I have a recording of my trio arrangement . . . .
Well, I must have expressed myself poorly. Not the first time . . . .
Quote from: Dancing Divertimentian on May 05, 2015, 09:14:38 AM
Karelia suite
In Memoriam
Both of these are fine works.
In Memoriam was a recent discovery for me thanks to the
Sibelius Edition.
Tapiola x 5
Other than that:
Luonnotar
Oceanides
In Memoriam
Four Legends for Orchestra
Quote from: vandermolen on May 05, 2015, 12:14:14 PM
Tapiola x 5
Other than that:
Luonnotar
Oceanides
In Memoriam
Four Legends for Orchestra
None of the symphonies makes the cut?
Quote from: karlhenning on May 05, 2015, 12:16:58 PM
None of the symphonies makes the cut?
Have you heard
The Origin of Fire,
Karl?
Quote from: karlhenning on May 05, 2015, 12:16:58 PM
None of the symphonies makes the cut?
I love all the symphonies, especially 4,6,7 and increasingly 2 but this is a 'favourites' list. If it had been 'greatest works' I would choose:
Tapiola
Symphony 4
Symphony 7
Symphony 2
Symphony 6
I also like Symphony 3, especially the last movement.
I am not such a fan of No.5 as many people.
Quote from: North Star on May 05, 2015, 12:21:35 PM
Have you heard The Origin of Fire, Karl?
I have not, but I am sure I ought to.
Quote from: karlhenning on May 05, 2015, 12:34:59 PM
I have not, but I am sure I ought to.
It's a great work - was a companion work on my old LP set of Kullervo.
Symphony 7. This is my favourite piece of music, period.
Since I cannot name his second, third, fourth, fifth best pieces ( symphonies 6,5,4,3 respectively) I will pick the VC, the sonatina for violin, the quartet, and En Saga.
I attribute Z7's mild error in prefering 6 a sad side effect one too many hearings of La Mer.
Quote from: Ken B on May 05, 2015, 01:59:31 PM
Symphony 7. This is my favourite piece of music, period.
Which recording is your favs,
Ken?
Probably the one symphony I would choose as well. I don't know that much outside of the symphonies, but I
love The Swan of Tuonela.
Well, you won't believe:
Finlandia
I think it is really exceptional work.
Then:
Violin Concerto
Symphony No. 1
Tapiola
And, as it can't be Symphony No. 2:
Quartet
Quote from: mszczuj on May 05, 2015, 03:14:50 PM
Well, you won't believe:
Finlandia
I think it is really exceptional work.
Then:
Violin Concerto
Symphony No. 1
Tapiola
And, as it can't be Symphony No. 2:
Quartet
I like
Finlandia a lot as well despite it's popularity. The thing I've purposely done is avoid overexposure to the
really well-known works. This makes these works even more enjoyable because I don't know them too well. I've done this with a lot of works like Debussy's
Faun or Stravinsky's
Firebird for example.
Finlandia is masterful. Your choice of
Symphony No. 1 is a curious one. Don't like the mature symphonies too much?
Quote from: TheGSMoeller on May 05, 2015, 03:01:58 PM
Which recording is your favs, Ken?
Probably the one symphony I would choose as well. I don't know that much outside of the symphonies, but I love The Swan of Tuonela.
Of 7 it's Karajan BPO.
Lots of competition. Davis Boston is great, I like Segerstam's slow version on Brilliant. But Herbie is my top pick.
Quote from: TheGSMoeller on May 05, 2015, 03:01:58 PMI don't know that much outside of the symphonies, but I love The Swan of Tuonela.
:o ???
En Saga
Tapiola
The Oceanides
King Christian II
Symphony No. 7
Confession: I love Finlandia :-[
Confession: I don't know the VC ???
The VC stands out for me. Finlandia is fun, I think.
Quote from: NJ Joe on May 05, 2015, 05:27:12 PM
En Saga
Tapiola
The Oceanides
King Christian II
Symphony No. 7
Confession: I love Finlandia :-[
Confession: I don't know the VC ???
Great list, Joe. You don't know the
Violin Concerto?!?!? Oh dear. Do you own a recording of this work?
Quote from: Ken B on May 05, 2015, 03:43:55 PM
Of 7 it's Karajan BPO.
Lots of competition. Davis Boston is great, I like Segerstam's slow version on Brilliant. But Herbie is my top pick.
This is what made me a true believer:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/71Cfopbkj3L._SX425_.jpg)
Quote from: Mirror Image on May 05, 2015, 05:29:35 PM
Great list, Joe. You don't know the Violin Concerto?!?!? Oh dear. Do you own a recording of this work?
No! Care to recommend something?
Quote from: NJ Joe on May 05, 2015, 05:34:47 PM
This is what made me a true believer:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/71Cfopbkj3L._SX425_.jpg)
Yes, that's the one. Karajan in high gear. Great 7, great 6. 5 is great but a bit eccentric. There are better. 4 again great.
Quote from: NJ Joe on May 05, 2015, 05:35:50 PM
No! Care to recommend something?
Oh wow...yes. This is a great recording IMHO:
(http://pds2.exblog.jp/pds/1/200803/07/44/e0022344_6564612.jpg)
Other favorites: Tetzlaff/Dausgaard, Mullova/Ozawa, Kavakos/Vanska, and Kuusisto/Segerstam
I like this one but have not heard as many as other people here.
[asin]B0000027OR[/asin]
Thanks guys, I'll let you know when I get it.
Quote from: NJ Joe on May 05, 2015, 05:55:07 PM
Thanks guys, I'll let you know when I get it.
Sounds good, Joe.
Quote from: MN Dave on May 05, 2015, 05:28:28 PM
The VC stands out for me. Finlandia is fun, I think.
You're right, it is fun, and ain't no crime! ;)
Okay, here goes:
Pohjola's daughter
Symphony no. 6
Voces Intimae
Violin concerto
Luonnotar, Snöfrid, The origin of fire or The maiden in tower. Can't choose. Who said Sibelius can't write well for human voice?
Quote from: Alberich on May 06, 2015, 09:51:47 AM
Okay, here goes:
Pohjola's daughter
Symphony no. 6
Voces Intimae
Violin concerto
Luonnotar, Snöfrid, The origin of fire or The maiden in tower. Can't choose. Who said Sibelius can't write well for human voice?
Great list - there is a lot of Sibelius at the Proms in London this summer.
Quote from: NJ Joe on May 05, 2015, 05:34:47 PM
This is what made me a true believer:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/71Cfopbkj3L._SX425_.jpg)
That is a wonderful set and I love the cover image too.
Quote from: vandermolen on May 06, 2015, 10:40:10 AM
Great list - there is a lot of Sibelius at the Proms in London this summer.
'
Thank you, yours was a great also. I love all the works you mentioned but unfortunately I had to narrow it down to 5. I may change my mind later about my top5. Tapiola is really impressive in the way Sibelius can do so much with so scarce material!
Quote from: Alberich on May 06, 2015, 11:13:21 AM
'
Thank you, yours was a great also. I love all the works you mentioned but unfortunately I had to narrow it down to 5. I may change my mind later about my top5. Tapiola is really impressive in the way Sibelius can do so much with so scarce material!
Yes it is a wonderful score - deeply moving but completely devoid of sentimentality. Sibelius is the one composer whose music I can listen to regardless of what mood I am in. Something to do with its connection with the elemental power of nature I think.
Quote from: Mirror Image on May 05, 2015, 03:41:26 PM
Your choice of Symphony No. 1 is a curious one. Don't like the mature symphonies too much?
Yes, I find him not as succesful in these works where he try to be more modern as he was when he was deep inside the romantic tradition.
But may be I'm not lost for ever yet? I have heard Vanska interpratation of symphonies last year and find some national touch in phrasing in them that made me most interested in nos 3-7. Must return to them. Alas it is only one of hundreds musts.
Quote from: karlhenning on May 05, 2015, 07:22:38 AM
The Tempest
Pounds the table! I listened to the complete version of
The Tempest several nights ago and enjoyed it immensely. Will definitely plan a revisit soon. The Vanska performance is impeccable.
Quote from: Mirror Image on May 13, 2015, 09:11:45 PM
Pounds the table! I listened to the complete version of The Tempest several nights ago and enjoyed it immensely. Will definitely plan a revisit soon. The Vanska performance is impeccable.
It's a great composer at the very top of his game.
Tempest really makes me think that Sibelius could have stood equal to Verdi in writing shakespearean operas. Of course, Jean's Tempest doesn't contain singing but on the other hand there's several compositions where he shows that he was no rookie with this "instrument".
Quote from: Alberich on May 14, 2015, 02:54:49 AMOf course, Jean's Tempest doesn't contain singing but on the other hand there's several compositions where he shows that he was no rookie with this "instrument".
Ummm...
The Tempest, Op. 109 most certainly does contain singing. Have you heard the work in it's complete form, Alberich? You're in for quite a surprise.
Only 5? How cruel! ;)
Symphonies No. 5 & 6
4 Legends
Night Ride and Sunset
Violin Concerto
Runners up: Symphonies 1, 2 & 4; Pelleas and Melisande
Quote from: Mirror Image on June 09, 2015, 07:10:52 PM
Ummm...The Tempest, Op. 109 most certainly does contain singing. Have you heard the work in it's complete form, Alberich? You're in for quite a surprise.
I guess I've collided head first into so called Peer Gynt-problem. For a long time I thought Grieg's music of it existed only as an orchestral suite. And that's a shame because several beautiful moments were omitted from suite.
Quote from: Daverz on June 09, 2015, 10:20:28 PM
Only 5? How cruel! ;)
Symphonies No. 5 & 6
4 Legends
Night Ride and Sunset Sunrise
Violin Concerto
Runners up: Symphonies 1, 2 & 4; Pelleas and Melisande
Corrected for you. ;)
Quote from: Alberich on June 09, 2015, 10:24:54 PM
I guess I've collided head first into so called Peer Gynt-problem. For a long time I thought Grieg's music of it existed only as an orchestral suite. And that's a shame because several beautiful moments were omitted from suite.
You should really listen to
The Tempest in it's complete form ASAP. Vanska is your man here as he, along with Saraste, are the only ones who have recorded this work.
Quote from: Daverz on June 09, 2015, 10:20:28 PM
Only 5? How cruel! ;)
4 Legends
They count as FOUR. :P
I guess it's time to update my list, especially since my favorites from Sibelius seem to be in constant evolution. Right now, my favorites (in no particular order):
Symphony No. 4 in A minor, Op. 63
The Tempest, Op. 109
The Origin Of Fire, Op. 32 (Original Version)
Tapiola, Op. 112
Violin Concerto, Op. 47
Kullervo, for mezzo-soprano, baritone, male chorus, and orchestra, Op. 7 (1892)
Tulen synty (The Origin of Fire), Op. 32 (1902/10)
Symphony No. 4 in A minor, Op. 63 (1911)
Luonnotar, for soprano and orchestra, Op. 70 (1913)
Tapiola, Op. 112 (1926)
Quote from: Christo on June 15, 2015, 11:08:44 PM
Kullervo, for mezzo-soprano, baritone, male chorus, and orchestra, Op. 7 (1892)
Tulen synty (The Origin of Fire), Op. 32 (1902/10)
Symphony No. 4 in A minor, Op. 63 (1911)
Luonnotar, for soprano and orchestra, Op. 70 (1913)
Tapiola, Op. 112 (1926)
Agree with all of these. What are your favourite recordings of Luonnota and Tapiola?
Quote from: vandermolen on June 15, 2015, 11:13:11 PMAgree with all of these. What are your favourite recordings of Luonnotar and Tapiola
I have no specific favourites - so please tell us what yours are. :)
Quote from: Christo on June 15, 2015, 11:08:44 PM
Kullervo, for mezzo-soprano, baritone, male chorus, and orchestra, Op. 7 (1892)
Tulen synty (The Origin of Fire), Op. 32 (1902/10)
Symphony No. 4 in A minor, Op. 63 (1911)
Luonnotar, for soprano and orchestra, Op. 70 (1913)
Tapiola, Op. 112 (1926)
Great list for someone who doesn't care much for Sibelius' music. ;)
Quote from: Mirror Image on June 16, 2015, 07:27:29 AMGreat list for someone who doesn't care much for Sibelius' music. ;)
;D These are the compositions I really like. Some other pieces, however ... (As a teenager, I was shocked to hear the Second Symphony and what I found its 'vulgarity'; I never really overcame that feeling and until now cannot really listen to the first three symphonies, or to much of his 'popular' music. But I find the later symphonies and Tapiola absolutely fine.) :)
Quote from: Christo on June 16, 2015, 07:51:12 AM
;D These are the compositions I really like. Some other pieces, however ... (As a teenager, I was shocked to hear the Second Symphony and what I found its 'vulgarity'; I never really overcame that feeling and until now cannot really listen to the first three symphonies, or to much of his 'popular' music. But I find the later symphonies and Tapiola absolutely fine.) :)
That's too bad as I really like the first two symphonies, but I love the 3rd. I don't have a problem with his 'popular' music either that is we consider
Valste triste,
Karelia Suite, and
Finlandia to be among those that you consider 'popular'.
Quote from: Christo on June 16, 2015, 12:16:58 AM
I have no specific favourites - so please tell us what yours are. :)
Luonnotar: Dorati version on EMI.
Tapiola: historical versions by Koussevitsky or Kajanus or Rosbaud.
More modern versions by Maazel (Decca), Segerstam (with Four Legends) Berglund Helsinki SO.
[asin]B00000378L[/asin]
I know what you mean about the early Sibelius symphonies, the first two described as 'parochial' by one critic but I get swept up in the last movement of No.2 and rank No.3 very highly, also the last movement in particular.
It very well could look like this right now (in no particular order)
Symphony No. 5 in E-flat major, Op. 82
String Quartet in D minor, "Voces Intimae", Op. 56
Violin Concerto in D minor, Op. 47
6 Songs, Op. 90
Luonnotar, Op. 70
Ok new list:
Symphony No.3
Tapiola
The Complete Tempest incidental music (BIS)
Complete Karelia Music (Ondine)
In Memoriam
Let me try this...:
Symphony No.5 in E-flat major
Symphony No.7 in C major
En Saga, op.9
The Swan of Tuonela, op.22/2
Tapiola, op.112
Let it be known that I am still fairly new to Sibelius and have yet to give any of his non-orchestral music a fair shot. Still he is a great composer and one of my favorites.
I had never participated on this thread!
Let's remedy it right now:
Symphony No. 7 (love it!!!)
The Wood Nymph
Lemminkainen Suite
Tapiola
Spring Song
I'm not that familiar with his chamber music. I've heard some violin sonatas and I thought they were very charming, but don't remember which one I liked the best. An early piano quintet is very good too.
Quote from: SymphonicAddict on November 11, 2019, 03:31:49 PM
I had never participated on this thread!
Let's remedy it right now:
Symphony No. 7 (love it!!!)
The Wood Nymph
Lemminkainen Suite
Tapiola
Spring Song
I'm not that familiar with his chamber music. I've heard some violin sonatas and I thought they were very charming, but don't remember which one I liked the best. An early piano quintet is very good too.
The
Piano Quintet in G minor is quite good, indeed. Sibelius, IMHO, has one masterpiece of chamber music, IMHO, and that work is the
String Quartet in D minor, "Voces Intimae", Op. 56. Another work that is very good and dates from his more mature period is
Malinconia, Op. 20 (for cello/piano). This work is definitely worth your time as are the songs (primarily written for voice and piano, but there are some with a different instrumentation --- of course, the songs arranged with orchestra are worth your time as well). All of those works in your list are obviously masterpieces and for anyone who hasn't heard them and loves early 20th Century music, I have to ask, "Where have you been?" ;)
Quote from: vers la flamme on November 11, 2019, 03:07:18 PM
Let me try this...:
Symphony No.5 in E-flat major
Symphony No.7 in C major
En Saga, op.9
The Swan of Tuonela, op.22/2
Tapiola, op.112
Let it be known that I am still fairly new to Sibelius and have yet to give any of his non-orchestral music a fair shot. Still he is a great composer and one of my favorites.
Very nice list, but let me say that I'm not sure if I would count
The Swan of Tuonela as a work by itself even though it has been recorded many times as a standalone work. It comes from
Lemminkäinen Suite and if you haven't heard this work, you're in for a real treat. Of course,
Tapiola,
En Saga, and
Symphony Nos. 5 & 7 are works that every Sibelian has heard more times than they've heard
Finlandia. ;D FWIW, I love
Finlandia despite it's popularity in the concert hall and being a work that is most often mentioned whenever someone who doesn't really know much about Sibelius talks about music of his they've heard.
Quote from: vandermolen on November 11, 2019, 01:55:46 PM
Ok new list:
Symphony No.3
Tapiola
The Complete Tempest incidental music (BIS)
Complete Karelia Music (Ondine)
In Memoriam
A fine list, Jeffrey.
In Memoriam is quite underrated and is gorgeous.
The Tempest should be required listening for anyone interested in music from the 20th Century. The piece is so cinematic and has such a strong narrative. I'd love to get your opinion on the completion/reconstruction of
Karelia from Kalevi Aho (BIS) vs. Jouni Kaipainen (Ondine), what are the main differences between them? I only know Aho's completion/reconstruction on BIS with Vänskä.
Quote from: vandermolen on June 16, 2015, 12:38:55 PM
Luonnotar: Dorati version on EMI.
Tapiola: historical versions by Koussevitsky or Kajanus or Rosbaud.
More modern versions by Maazel (Decca), Segerstam (with Four Legends) Berglund Helsinki SO.
[asin]B00000378L[/asin]
I know what you mean about the early Sibelius symphonies, the first two described as 'parochial' by one critic but I get swept up in the last movement of No.2 and rank No.3 very highly, also the last movement in particular.
That Segerstam recording is amazing, Jeffrey. I should add that Sibelius' 1st and 2nd symphonies are wonderful and while they're not written in the composer's more recognizable idiom (that will come with the 3rd), they still demonstrate where the composer was going musically and there are many fine moments in each of these symphonies. That second movement of the 2nd is so beautiful and haunting --- in fact, here's an excerpt from the Wikipedia article of this particular movement that you may find interesting:
In his villa in Rapallo, Sibelius wrote: "Don Juan. I was sitting in the dark in my castle when a stranger entered. I asked who he could be again and again — but there was no answer. I tried to make him laugh but he remained silent. At last the stranger began to sing — then Don Juan knew who it was. It was death."
Quote from: Mirror Image on November 11, 2019, 04:20:04 PM
A fine list, Jeffrey. In Memoriam is quite underrated and is gorgeous. The Tempest should be required listening for anyone interested in music from the 20th Century. The piece is so cinematic and has such a strong narrative. I'd love to get your opinion on the completion/reconstruction of Karelia from Kalevi Aho (BIS) vs. Jouni Kaipainen (Ondine), what are the main differences between them? I only know Aho's completion/reconstruction on BIS with Vänskä.
Thanks John. I have both those 'Complete Karelia Music' CDs and enjoy them both. I prefer the Ondine recording especially for track 2 'Karelian Home-Runic Song, interrupted by War Music' which in the Ondine version (Kaipainen completion) sounds like a pop song - it is quite extraordinary and very 'catchy'. Listening to it now!
Quote from: Mirror Image on November 11, 2019, 05:20:53 PM
That Segerstam recording is amazing, Jeffrey. I should add that Sibelius' 1st and 2nd symphonies are wonderful and while they're not written in the composer's more recognizable idiom (that will come with the 3rd), they still demonstrate where the composer was going musically and there are many fine moments in each of these symphonies. That second movement of the 2nd is so beautiful and haunting --- in fact, here's an excerpt from the Wikipedia article of this particular movement that you may find interesting:
In his villa in Rapallo, Sibelius wrote: "Don Juan. I was sitting in the dark in my castle when a stranger entered. I asked who he could be again and again — but there was no answer. I tried to make him laugh but he remained silent. At last the stranger began to sing — then Don Juan knew who it was. It was death."
I agree about symphonies 1 and 2 and enjoy them both John. The 'Don Juan' extract is most interesting and sounds like something out of Ingmar Bergman's marvellous film 'The Seventh Seal' which I watched on DVD with my daughter recently. Sibelius is one of those composers, like VW or Shostakovich or Miaskovsky whose music generally appeals to me.
Difficult to choose a top five nad only include one symphony. I have a modest selection of his vocal works but very little chamber music and can't really say any of it is a particular favourite. Here goes
Symphony No 2 in D major
Leminkainen Suite
Finlandia (with choral contribution)
Karelia Suite (my first ever Sibelius)
Night Ride and Sunrise
I could have chosen a different symphony or other tones poems, especially Tapiola - probably his finest but went for the works I have listened to most over the years
Quote from: Biffo on November 12, 2019, 01:19:30 AM
Difficult to choose a top five nad only include one symphony. I have a modest selection of his vocal works but very little chamber music and can't really say any of it is a particular favourite. Here goes
Symphony No 2 in D major
Leminkainen Suite
Finlandia (with choral contribution)
Karelia Suite (my first ever Sibelius)
Night Ride and Sunrise
I could have chosen a different symphony or other tones poems, especially Tapiola - probably his finest but went for the works I have listened to most over the years
A very nice selection!
Quote from: vandermolen on November 11, 2019, 11:49:27 PM
Thanks John. I have both those 'Complete Karelia Music' CDs and enjoy them both. I prefer the Ondine recording especially for track 2 'Karelian Home-Runic Song, interrupted by War Music' which in the Ondine version (Kaipainen completion) sounds like a pop song - it is quite extraordinary and very 'catchy'. Listening to it now!
You've certainly convinced me to get that Ollila recording on Ondine. Of course, it didn't take much convincing considering how big of a Sibelian I am. ;)
Quote from: Mirror Image on November 12, 2019, 06:06:49 AM
You've certainly convinced me to get that Ollila recording on Ondine. Of course, it didn't take much convincing considering how big of a Sibelian I am. ;)
Don't think you'll regret it John. You get the 'Press Celebration Music' thrown in as well.
Quote from: vandermolen on November 12, 2019, 06:32:55 AM
Don't think you'll regret it John. You get the 'Press Celebration Music' thrown in as well.
Yes, you know for such a nationalistic title as
Press Celebration Music, this work is actually very good. I have the Vänskä performance of it on BIS and have enjoyed it greatly.
Quote from: Mirror Image on November 11, 2019, 04:04:23 PM
The Piano Quintet in G minor is quite good, indeed. Sibelius, IMHO, has one masterpiece of chamber music, IMHO, and that work is the String Quartet in D minor, "Voces Intimae", Op. 56. Another work that is very good and dates from his more mature period is Malinconia, Op. 20 (for cello/piano). This work is definitely worth your time as are the songs (primarily written for voice and piano, but there are some with a different instrumentation --- of course, the songs arranged with orchestra are worth your time as well). All of those works in your list are obviously masterpieces and for anyone who hasn't heard them and loves early 20th Century music, I have to ask, "Where have you been?" ;)
I remember liking the
Voces Intimae quartet quite a bit, though I also remember not being too impressed. I should give it another go soon. The work for cello and piano is unknown for me (IIRC), so it's on my listening list too. I'm not too keen on vocal music in general, but I don't discard trying them in the future.
The g minor piano quartet is nice but rather early, so are a few early quartets. The Voces intimae seems the only major chamber music piece by Sibelius, I believe. (But even this one is not quite as important as many of his orchestral pieces, I'd say. I usually prefer chamber to orchestral, but Sibelius' quartet would probably miss my top five Sibelius pieces)
Quote from: SymphonicAddict on November 12, 2019, 12:26:14 PM
I remember liking the Voces Intimae quartet quite a bit, though I also remember not being too impressed. I should give it another go soon. The work for cello and piano is unknown for me (IIRC), so it's on my listening list too. I'm not too keen on vocal music in general, but I don't discard trying them in the future.
Voces intimae was written between the 3rd and 4th symphonies and I say it's a masterstroke on his part. And as far as Nordic string quartets go, this one has to be one of the top ones written for its' time.
Quote from: Mirror Image on November 12, 2019, 12:51:15 PM
Voces intimae was written between the 3rd and 4th symphonies and I say it's a masterstroke on his part. And as far as Nordic string quartets go, this one has to be one of the top ones written for its' time.
What recording do you recommend?
Quote from: SymphonicAddict on November 12, 2019, 12:57:55 PM
What recording do you recommend?
All of the ones I've heard ;), which would be the Sibelius Academy Quartet, Tempera Quartet, and the Gabrieli String Quartet. They're all fine performances and whichever one is readily available and the cheapest would be the way to go, IMHO.
Quote from: Mirror Image on November 12, 2019, 01:00:42 PM
All of the ones I've heard ;), which would be the Sibelius Academy Quartet, Tempera Quartet, and the Gabrieli String Quartet. They're all fine performances and whichever one is readily available and the cheapest would be the way to go, IMHO.
Very good, thank you! I'll definitely be hearing it these days, and with your recommendations I won't go wrong.
Quote from: SymphonicAddict on November 12, 2019, 01:04:15 PM
Very good, thank you! I'll definitely be hearing it these days, and with your recommendations I won't go wrong.
You're most welcome, although I hardly think any of my recommendations are better than anyone else's --- I can only go by what I like and had some kind of reaction to upon listening.
Quote from: Mirror Image on November 11, 2019, 04:04:23 PM
The Piano Quintet in G minor is quite good, indeed. Sibelius, IMHO, has one masterpiece of chamber music, IMHO, and that work is the String Quartet in D minor, "Voces Intimae", Op. 56. Another work that is very good and dates from his more mature period is Malinconia, Op. 20 (for cello/piano). This work is definitely worth your time as are the songs (primarily written for voice and piano, but there are some with a different instrumentation --- of course, the songs arranged with orchestra are worth your time as well). All of those works in your list are obviously masterpieces and for anyone who hasn't heard them and loves early 20th Century music, I have to ask, "Where have you been?" ;)
I was fortunate enough to hear the Piano Quintet in G minor in August. It is very beautiful indeed. I have no recording of it but it is on YT. I may get the Gabrieli Qt.'s recording.
I don't think I've given a list of 5 favorite Sibelius works yet.
Symphony no. 5----Maazel, VPO
Symphony no. 2 ----Davis, Barbirolli . . .
Lemminkainen Legends -----Sir Alexander Gibson
Violin Concerto ----- Ricci, Fjelstad, LSO
Luonnotar ------ Any soprano that can sing it is really, really good. I have Phyllis Bryn-Julson (Gibson) but I have listened to Karita Mattila, who is fantastic, on YT.
Quote from: Xenophanes on November 12, 2019, 03:45:54 PM
I was fortunate enough to hear the Piano Quintet in G minor in August. It is very beautiful indeed. I have no recording of it but it is on YT. I may get the Gabrieli Qt.'s recording.
I don't think I've given a list of 5 favorite Sibelius works yet.
Symphony no. 5----Maazel, VPO
Symphony no. 2 ----Davis, Barbirolli . . .
Lemminkainen Legends -----Sir Alexander Gibson
Violin Concerto ----- Ricci, Fjelstad, LSO
Luonnotar ------ Any soprano that can sing it is really, really good. I have Phyllis Bryn-Julson (Gibson) but I have listened to Karita Mattila, who is fantastic, on YT.
Very cool about you hearing the
Piano Quintet in G minor. It's a very nice work even if it still early Sibelius. That's a nice list.
Luonnotar was one of my choices in my previous 'Top 5' list. I prefer hearing either a Finnish or Swedish vocalist in this work, but there have been some performances like Gwyneth Jones with Dorati that have been excellent.
Quote from: Mirror Image on November 12, 2019, 12:51:15 PM
Voces intimae was written between the 3rd and 4th symphonies and I say it's a masterstroke on his part. And as far as Nordic string quartets go, this one has to be one of the top ones written for its' time.
Voce intimae is probably
the top nordic string quartet of its and any time but this is not a particularly high threshold ;) say, compared to the top Austrian string quartet. (The main other contender would probably be Grieg, but do think that the Nielsen quartets are somewhat underrated, though.) Many listeners like Sibelius because of certain moods and generally evocative character of many of his orchestral (or vocal/orchestral) pieces and the string quartet is naturally somewhat different.
Quote from: Jo498 on November 13, 2019, 01:13:44 AM
Voce intimae is probably the top nordic string quartet of its and any time but this is not a particularly high threshold ;) say, compared to the top Austrian string quartet. (The main other contender would probably be Grieg, but do think that the Nielsen quartets are somewhat underrated, though.) Many listeners like Sibelius because of certain moods and generally evocative character of many of his orchestral (or vocal/orchestral) pieces and the string quartet is naturally somewhat different.
But, for me, the important thing is the composer's voice is still to be found in
Voces intimae. This string quartet could've been written by no one else. If people don't like this work because it doesn't match the opulence of the orchestral music, then that's fine, but I still hear Sibelius in this work and his songs, but also the piano music as well. Granted, most of the chamber music is juvenilia, but there are works like the
String Quartet in B-flat, Op. 4 that hint at where the composer is heading. I feel
Voces intimae has a certain austerity to some of the writing that definitely is a sign of the mature composer. Plus, I just think it's a great piece of music and I enjoy it.
Today's list (with favourite recordings)
Luonnotar (Dorati recording)
Four Legends (Thomas Jensen/Horst Stein)
Tapiola (Segerstam, Ondine/Kajanus, Finlandia)
Symphony 4 (Beecham)
Complete Karelia Music (Ondine)
Bonus choice: Complete Tempest Music (BIS)
Symphony No. 1
Symphony No. 2
Symphony No. 5
Symphony No. 3
Kullervo
Quote from: Maestro267 on November 18, 2019, 05:42:46 AM
Symphony No. 1
Symphony No. 2
Symphony No. 5
Symphony No. 3
Kullervo
Of those I especially like 2,3 and Kullervo.
Quote from: Maestro267 on November 18, 2019, 05:42:46 AM
Symphony No. 1
Symphony No. 2
Symphony No. 5
Symphony No. 3
Kullervo
I refer you to my initial post:
Quote from: Mirror Image on May 05, 2015, 07:15:32 AM
(http://www.sibelius.fi/english/kuvituskuvat/Jean_Sibelius_kokokuva_ulkona.gif)
What are your top 5 favorite Sibelius works? There's one stipulation here: you can only pick one symphony. Have fun! ;)
Today's list (in no particular order):
Nightride and Sunrise, Op. 55
Six Songs, Op. 36
Symphony No. 7 in C major, Op. 105
Pelléas et Mélisande, Op. 46
Musiikkia Sanomalehdistoön päivien juhlanäytäntöön (Press Celebrations Music), JS 137
I'm far from a 'connaisseur', I have to admit. :-[
But I've always appreciated these, even though it's been some time since I've last listened to them:
Kullervo, op. 7
Five Songs, op. 37
Violin Concerto in D minor, Op. 47
String Quartet in d minor, Op. 56, Voces intimae
Symphony No. 5 in E-flat major, Op. 82
Bonus:
Marian Anderson sings "Flickan kom ifrån sin älsklings möte" from op. 37:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aO9yDb_9NVw
An incredibly fine list, Marc. 8)
Quote from: Mirror Image on November 18, 2019, 09:45:48 AM
An incredibly fine list, Marc. 8)
I forgot about the violin concerto though... so i made a change. Pity for
En Saga... life is harsh, even musical life. ;)
(I learned to really appreciate the violin concerto when Mullova played it once at a concert I attended, with the Minnesota Orchestra and Vänska.)
Quote from: Marc on November 18, 2019, 09:51:19 AM
I forgot about the violin concerto though... so i made a change. Pity for En Saga... life is harsh, even musical life. ;)
8)
En Saga is still a fine work whether it gets the shaft (or not). ;)
Quote from: Mirror Image on November 18, 2019, 09:52:23 AM
8) En Saga is still a fine work whether it gets the shaft (or not). ;)
True.
Sometimes I suffer from 'symphonic' fever and a few symphony/orchestral boxes are besides my bed, Bruckner, Brahms, Sibelius, Mahler. Lying on my back and enjoying it.
(But it's mostly older and smaller stuff I listen to.)
Quote from: Marc on November 18, 2019, 09:55:52 AM
True.
Sometimes I suffer from 'symphonic' fever and a few symphony/orchestral boxes are besides my bed, Bruckner, Brahms, Sibelius, Mahler. Lying on my back and enjoying it.
(But it's mostly older and smaller stuff I listen to.)
I tend to mix things up a bit: I'll go from listening to a symphony for example to listening to some songs/lieder/mélodies to then listening to a ballet. It depends, but I do think variety is the spice of life and all of the composers I adore have more than one specialty and have written consistently in many genres.
Quote from: Mirror Image on November 18, 2019, 09:58:19 AM
I tend to mix things up a bit: I'll go from listening to a symphony for example to listening to some songs/lieder/mélodies to then listening to a ballet. It depends, but I do think variety is the spice of life and all of the composers I adore have more than one specialty and have written consistently in many genres.
In the right mood, I can switch in 60 mins from Sibelius to Couperin to The Doors. Whatever. As long as my musical soul gets satisfied.
Quote from: Marc on November 18, 2019, 10:00:36 AM
In the right mood, I can switch in 60 mins from Sibelius to Couperin to The Doors. Whatever. As long as my musical soul gets satisfied.
This, of course, is of upmost importance.
I did not see the stipulation about one symphony. Let me try again...:
Symphony No.5
Pohjola's Daughter
Tapiola
En Saga
Violin Concerto (which I need to spend more time with... what's a good recording?)
Quote from: vers la flamme on November 19, 2019, 02:28:46 AM
I did not see the stipulation about one symphony. Let me try again...:
Symphony No.5
Pohjola's Daughter
Tapiola
En Saga
Violin Concerto (which I need to spend more time with... what's a good recording?)
Fine works --- all of them. For a more modern recording, I'd check out Hilary Hahn's recording of the VC on DG (w/ Salonen and the Swedish Radio SO). Another favorite is Ida Haendel on EMI (Warner now --- w/ Berglund and the Bournemouth SO). You can't go wrong with either of these, IMHO.
I wrote a review of the Hahn recording if you want to read it:
Title:
Powerful, Thought-Provoking SibeliusSibelius' "Violin Concerto in D minor, Op. 47" is a work that has baffled me for years. Only within the past year or so have I finally come around to what I believe it's about and trying to express. I suppose one problem was trying to find the 'right' interpretation. There have been several great performances (Mullova's on Philips with Ozawa springs immediately to mind, Gil Shaham/Sinopoli was another that impressed me), but I could find none that truly spoke to me until I heard Hilary Hahn's revelatory performance. What struck me almost immediately was this icy/hot approach. Hahn plays with a certain detachment that I believe is beneficial to this concerto and it literally sent a cold chill down my spine. There's so much virtuosity in her playing, but, for me, this isn't what this concerto is all about. There's a narrative that being told and each turn of phrase gets you closer and closer to it's meaning only to have it disappear into something else, which gives it a certainly enigmatic quality. There have been so many violinists that have performed Sibelius' "Violin Concerto" and I certainly don't make the claim that I've heard them all, but I can assure you that if you understand this concerto, and you enjoy Hahn's playing, then you're bound to come away from this performance with a newfound respect and admiration, not only for the work itself, but for Hahn as an interpreter/performer. Esa-Pekka Salonen is also in top-form and leads the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra in an accompaniment that's sympathetic and is of the same mindset as Hahn. You couldn't ask for a better team.
A must-hear recording if there ever were one. Highly recommended.
[Review originally published via Amazon on Dec. 9th, 2015]
Quote from: Mirror Image on November 19, 2019, 05:30:39 AM
Fine works --- all of them. For a more modern recording, I'd check out Hilary Hahn's recording of the VC on DG (w/ Salonen and the Swedish Radio SO). Another favorite is Ida Haendel on EMI (Warner now --- w/ Berglund and the Bournemouth SO). You can't go wrong with either of these, IMHO.
I wrote a review of the Hahn recording if you want to read it:
Title: Powerful, Thought-Provoking Sibelius
Sibelius' "Violin Concerto in D minor, Op. 47" is a work that has baffled me for years. Only within the past year or so have I finally come around to what I believe it's about and trying to express. I suppose one problem was trying to find the 'right' interpretation. There have been several great performances (Mullova's on Philips with Ozawa springs immediately to mind, Gil Shaham/Sinopoli was another that impressed me), but I could find none that truly spoke to me until I heard Hilary Hahn's revelatory performance. What struck me almost immediately was this icy/hot approach. Hahn plays with a certain detachment that I believe is beneficial to this concerto and it literally sent a cold chill down my spine. There's so much virtuosity in her playing, but, for me, this isn't what this concerto is all about. There's a narrative that being told and each turn of phrase gets you closer and closer to it's meaning only to have it disappear into something else, which gives it a certainly enigmatic quality. There have been so many violinists that have performed Sibelius' "Violin Concerto" and I certainly don't make the claim that I've heard them all, but I can assure you that if you understand this concerto, and you enjoy Hahn's playing, then you're bound to come away from this performance with a newfound respect and admiration, not only for the work itself, but for Hahn as an interpreter/performer. Esa-Pekka Salonen is also in top-form and leads the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra in an accompaniment that's sympathetic and is of the same mindset as Hahn. You couldn't ask for a better team.
A must-hear recording if there ever were one. Highly recommended.
[Review originally published via Amazon on Dec. 9th, 2015]
Sounds like a winner. Thanks. I have actually heard that recording before, along with the Schoenberg it's coupled with, great performances both, but I don't have the CD. Looks like I'll be picking it up soon.
Quote from: vers la flamme on November 19, 2019, 04:11:10 PM
Sounds like a winner. Thanks. I have actually heard that recording before, along with the Schoenberg it's coupled with, great performances both, but I don't have the CD. Looks like I'll be picking it up soon.
8)
Time for another list (in no particular order):
Tapiola, Op. 112
Five Pieces, "The Trees", Op. 75
Eight Songs, Op. 57
Jokamies (Everyman), Op. 83
Symphony No. 6, Op. 104
Quote from: Mirror Image on November 20, 2019, 06:45:14 PM
Time for another list (in no particular order):
Tapiola, Op. 112
Five Pieces, "The Trees", Op. 75
Eight Songs, Op. 57
Jokamies (Everyman), Op. 83
Symphony No. 6, Op. 104
But which recording of Tapiola?
:)
Quote from: vandermolen on November 20, 2019, 10:38:23 PM
But which recording of Tapiola?
:)
Segerstam on Ondine. :)
Quote from: Mirror Image on November 21, 2019, 06:04:13 AM
Segerstam on Ondine. :)
Probably my choice too! Although I do like Berglund's Philharmonia recording and Segerstam's earlier Royal Danish SO version on Chandos. Kajanus also rates highly for me.
Quote from: vandermolen on November 25, 2019, 02:36:57 PM
Probably my choice too! Although I do like Berglund's Philharmonia recording and Segerstam's earlier Royal Danish SO version on Chandos. Kajanus also rates highly for me.
I can't say I know Segerstam's earlier recording (I know he recorded the whole symphony cycle on Chandos also). Berglund's Philharmonia recording is top-notch, but I love his earlier Bournemouth performance, too.
Quote from: Mirror Image on November 20, 2019, 06:45:14 PM
Time for another list (in no particular order):
Tapiola, Op. 112
Five Pieces, "The Trees", Op. 75
Eight Songs, Op. 57
Jokamies (Everyman), Op. 83
Symphony No. 6, Op. 104
A new list (in no particular order):
Symphony No. 4 in A minor, Op. 63
Five Pieces, "The Trees", Op. 75
Night Ride and Sunrise, Op. 55
Voces intimae, Op. 56
Luonnotar, Op. 70This list is always subject to change per usual. :)
Difficult to cut it down to five as I would want to include all seven numbered symphonies and several tone poems and suites but here goes -
Symphony No 7
Tapiola
Symphony No 2
Karelia Suite (for nostalgic reasons)
En Saga
Tomorrow might be different
Quote from: Biffo on May 08, 2020, 08:11:18 AM
Difficult to cut it down to five as I would want to include all seven numbered symphonies and several tone poems and suites but here goes -
Symphony No 7
Tapiola
Symphony No 2
Karelia Suite (for nostalgic reasons)
En Saga
Tomorrow might be different
To make people's lists more challenging and fun (well, for me anyway), I have asked if people would only choose one symphony. $:)
Again, no doubt, from scratch:
Symphony No. 6
Luonnotar
Tapiola
Kullervo
En Saga
Quote from: Brian on May 05, 2015, 08:55:52 AM
Pohjola's Daughter
Violin Concerto
Luonnotar
Karelia Suite
Symphony No. 5
===ACTUAL TOP FIVE===
Symphony No. 3
Symphony No. 5
Symphony No. 7
Pohjola's Daughter
Violin Concerto
Five years later...
Symphony No. 5
Symphony No. 7
Violin Concerto
Luonnotar
En Saga
Not a ton of change!
Interesting how no one picks any of the works for theatre, solo piano or chamber. I wonder how many of our esteemed GMGers have actually explored these parts of his oeuvre?
Quote from: Mirror Image on May 08, 2020, 12:23:05 PM
Interesting how no one picks any of the works for theatre, solo piano or chamber. I wonder how many of our esteemed GMGers have actually explored these parts of his oeuvre?
I do dearly love the Folke Grasbeck and Leif Ove Andsnes selected recitals of solo piano music, but it's hard to choose an all-time top favorite single work from them since they are so small. I probably listen to those more than to a couple of the pieces on my list, but Sibelius' talent for miniatures in the piano repertoire makes it almost as hard as asking someone for their Top 5 Favorite Chopin Works.
Quote from: Brian on May 08, 2020, 12:24:54 PM
I do dearly love the Folke Grasbeck and Leif Ove Andsnes selected recitals of solo piano music, but it's hard to choose an all-time top favorite single work from them since they are so small. I probably listen to those more than to a couple of the pieces on my list, but Sibelius' talent for miniatures in the piano repertoire makes it almost as hard as asking someone for their Top 5 Favorite Chopin Works.
Can't argue with that, Brian. What I do love about Sibelius' piano works is they inhabit a world that I hadn't quite known before. I always looked at Sibelius as this composer who only wrote orchestral masterpieces, but when I got around to those works for songs, solo piano and chamber works, to say I was pleasantly surprised would be an understatement. A treasure trove of gems awaiting a listener's discovery.
Legends op 22
Valse triste
Les Océanides
Tapiola
Symphony no 5
I'm not trying to be original 8)
Quote from: Mirror Image on May 08, 2020, 08:13:23 AM
To make people's lists more challenging and fun (well, for me anyway), I have asked if people would only choose one symphony. $:)
OK, I will replace the 2nd Symphony with the Lemminkainen Suite.
I have a substantial amount of the theatre music but none of it makes it to my top five. The only chamber work I have is the String Quartet in D minor
Voces intimae
Quote from: André on May 08, 2020, 01:55:43 PM
Legends op 22
Valse triste
Les Océanides
Tapiola
Symphony no 5
I'm not trying to be original 8)
I can see that, but fine choices nevertheless. ;)
Quote from: Biffo on May 09, 2020, 01:17:56 AM
OK, I will replace the 2nd Symphony with the Lemminkainen Suite.
I have a substantial amount of the theatre music but none of it makes it to my top five. The only chamber work I have is the String Quartet in D minor Voces intimae
A fine replacement for sure and one of my favorites as well. No love for
The Tempest? This is prime Sibelius.
Quote from: Mirror Image on May 09, 2020, 06:46:44 AM
A fine replacement for sure and one of my favorites as well. No love for The Tempest? This is prime Sibelius.
The complete
Tempest is too bitty and repetitive, the suites contain some fine music but still don't come anywhere near my top five.
Quote from: Biffo on May 09, 2020, 06:55:30 AM
The complete Tempest is too bitty and repetitive, the suites contain some fine music but still don't come anywhere near my top five.
We'll agree to disagree here. I think it's a masterpiece.
I really think the symphonies are next level.
Symphony No.6 mov 1
Symphony No.5
Symphony No.7
Symphony No.4
Symphony No.2
For the rest of his music:
Luonnotar
The Oceanides
Lemminkäinen suite
Pohjola's Daughter
Tapiola
Quote from: Uhor on May 09, 2020, 08:48:15 AM
I really think the symphonies are next level.
Symphony No.6 mov 1
Symphony No.5
Symphony No.7
Symphony No.4
Symphony No.2
For the rest of his music:
Luonnotar
The Oceanides
Lemminkäinen suite
Pohjola's Daughter
Tapiola
One symphony per list please. $:)
Well I pick 6 and only the first movement.
Quote from: Brian on May 08, 2020, 12:24:54 PM
I do dearly love the Folke Grasbeck and Leif Ove Andsnes selected recitals of solo piano music, but it's hard to choose an all-time top favorite single work from them since they are so small. I probably listen to those more than to a couple of the pieces on my list, but Sibelius' talent for miniatures in the piano repertoire makes it almost as hard as asking someone for their Top 5 Favorite Chopin Works.
I wonder if I should give one of these anthologies a try because I have the Gould disc with a few Sibelius' piano pieces and I found the music utterly forgettable. Generally, I find that according to my probing the dominance of the symphonies, the violin concerto, some tone poems and a few other pieces in the public perception of Sibelius is largely justified. The mostly unknown stuff is mostly unknown for pretty good reasons...
Quote from: Jo498 on May 09, 2020, 01:02:40 PM
I wonder if I should give one of these anthologies a try because I have the Gould disc with a few Sibelius' piano pieces and I found the music utterly forgettable. Generally, I find that according to my probing the dominance of the symphonies, the violin concerto, some tone poems and a few other pieces in the public perception of Sibelius is largely justified. The mostly unknown stuff is mostly unknown for pretty good reasons...
I think you should give one of them a try (if you like period instruments or good stories, Gräsbeck plays on Sibelius' own 1915 Steinway). But have the expectation that these are romantic miniature pieces, not great statements. If you come in the context of Grieg, Moszkowski, maybe even "Waldszenen" or Brahms intermezzi, rather than Sibelius' orchestral music, you should enjoy. I hope!
Of course if you don't like the Lyric Pieces etc., then maybe don't :)
1. Danse champêtre
2. The Building of the Boat
3. Kyllikki
4. Symphony 7
5. Piano Sonata
Symphony No. 3 (could be any of his seven, depending on the mood I've been in, but the Andantino con moto has always been a favorite Sibelius moment for me)
The Wood Nymph
Swan of Tuonela
Pelleas and Melisande
Symphony No. 4
Luonnotar
String Quartet in D minor Voces Intimae
Tapiola
Violin Concerto
For today:
En saga
Six Humoresques for violin and orchestra
Swanwhite (I've only heard the Suite, though)
Symphony no. 3
The Wood Nymph