I've heard that description of Barbirolli's approach to Sibelius, romantic, with a negative connatation. Over "sentimental" could we say? Maybe, but I'm a romantist at heart. And just for the superb orchestra, the Halle, its worth the buy. Sibelius sym's have deep emotional passages, and some conductors/orchestras try very hard to draw forth the feeling, but lack of highly articulate orchestral members, the recording falls short. The Halle has an overflow of talent, and Barbirolli uses this abudance to shape a Sibelius sound that pentrates deep. Did not like Berglund's Chamber Orchestra of Europe at all. Vanski/Lahti does not offer anything new for me. Tempos and solosists are not up to Sakari's understanding. From the few takes I've listened to of Segerstam's new recording with the Helsinki, again I believe I hear an over-straining, a forcing effect, I don't hear this with the Barbirolli and especially with the natural flow of Sakari's approach. I'll give the new Segerstam a further review, the above are only first impressions.
Sibelius Sym/Sakari/IcelandSO/Recommendation
Finnish conductor Petri Sakari has conducted all 7 Sibelius sym's with the very highly talented Iceland S.O. Just listen to the opening to sym #4, that alone is worth the purchase. That same fine conducting, orchestral and soloist performance is throughout the entire 7 symphonies. Upon some comparisions of Barbirolli (second recording), Segerstam, Sanderling, I found the Halle with Barbirolli to offer great enjoyment. Barbirolli's recording I would describe as "mystical" in nature, not to be fully comprehended no matter how many times you listen to them, always something unique to hear, again due to the high talents of the soloists. The 1960's Halle must have had well seasoned "old-timers" from the Halle's early days. With the Barbirolli set you get various other well performed incidential music, tone poems, all a must to own as well. Onto Sakari/Iceland's recording. Sakari's tempo brings an exciting vitaltiy to these symphonies, and the Iceland does not let him down, with a sense of organic unity and intergration. With this Naxos set you get the Tempest 1&2, as well an excellent recording of the Kullervo with Panula/Turka P.O. On the Sakari/Iceland recording on Chandos of Pohjola's Daughter and Ensaga, there is some problems here. Barbirolli's Pohjola is again a must to hear. I place both recordings in the "must-have" category.
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- 12 posts total
- 12 posts total