If you could buy only one box set of Sibelius' symphonies...

[Heck148]

comparing Walter/Columbia to the BSO under Leinsdorf isn't a fair comparison.

why not?? they both produced recordings of Mahler's Sym#1 during roughly the same time
period....

First of all Leinsdorf was not a terribly good conductor, to say nothing of the fact that he helped set that ensemble back a great deal

agreed, and I think that the LAPO/ColSO sounds alot better.

I'm merely suggesting that you've not given Vanska a fair shake.

I'm willing to give him another shake, so to speak...

[Sator]

BTW for any audiophiles out there the Vanska recordings are often spectacular (I haven't heard the whole cycle however). I really like the BIS non-interventionist, purist approach to recording. There is no multi-miking, compressing, post-recording adulterations galore etc. It's back to basics, just as in the Walter Legge era at EMI - good recording equipment, beautiful acoustics and careful microphone placement.

[Jack Kelso]

Yes, I like Bernstein for Sibelius as well as Sir Colin Davis and Sanderling. But I am also attracted to the somewhat more leisurely interpretations of Leif Segerstam. He got a good review for his set, so someone else out there enjoys it, too! As with the great symphonies of Beethoven, Schumann, Bruckner, Brahms, etc. I need various performances. It's rare that only one performance brings out everything in a work.

Tschüß,
Jack

[ravel30]

In case some of you care, I finally made my choice. I bought the Berglund/EMI Classics boxset



I enjoy immensely so far. Thank you all for your recommendations.

Now I have more problems. I am also interested in the BIS Sibelius Essentials that contains all the Vanska/Lahti symphonies, the Davis/LSO live recording of the symphonies and the Bloomstedt/San Francisco versions too.

[Ken]

Hate to admit it, but based on what I've heard of many of the examples given in this thread, I'd have to stick with Simon Rattle and the CBSO's cycle from the early 90s for EMI. Overall wonderful music-making.

[Marc]

Sorry 'bout this, slightly off-topic:

....they were not world-class, and not even a top American orchestra, despite your protestations. You mention that most of the musicians played for the LAPO...well that ensemble was never considered first-rate until Mehta

that is not true - the LAPO was an excellent orchestra, but it did not get the recognition it deserved until Mehta began producing recordings in the 60s. the quality of the orchestra was excellent when he took over. someone asked Mehta once what condition the orchestra was in when he assumed the podium - he replied that is was very excellent, and one had only to listen to the Walter recording of Bruckner #9 for proof of this assertion.

Yep.
In the second half of the fifties, Eduard van Beinum was principal (guest) conductor of the LA Phil, and he also has stated many times that the orchestra was very good indeed. Since Van Beinum also was music director of the Concertgebouw Orchestra, and had been principal conductor of the London Phil, I guess he knew what he was talking about. Btw: if I'm not mistaken, Van Beinum's (not so) sudden death was deeply mourned in LA. Both orchestra & audience loved him. (If only Amsterdam had loved him that much. )
After Van Beinum, Sir Georg Solti became music director. So .... not a bad couple of predecessors for young Zubin!

[Seán]

I am also interested in the BIS Sibelius Essentials that contains all the Vanska/Lahti symphonies,

I really love that set, it is well worth getting: sixteen CDs for the price of 4. It contains the complete Osmo Vänskä/Lahti Sibelius Symphony cycle, Kullervo, the Concerto for Violin and Orchestra and much more besides. I bought it for €62 in Dublin and I am glad that I did. You will not go wrong with this set.
http://www.musicweb-international.com/c ... 971700.htm

the Davis/LSO live recording of the symphonies

pass

and the Bloomstedt/San Francisco versions too.

Yes, they are well worth getting too.

[7flat5]

Hate to admit it, but based on what I've heard of many of the examples given in this thread, I'd have to stick with Simon Rattle and the CBSO's cycle from the early 90s for EMI. Overall wonderful music-making.

Yeah, I mentioned Rattle earlier expecting a flame storm, but probably no one thought it was worth the typing. Critics liked it when it was new, but seem to have re-assessed in other directions. I still think the whole set is at least good, with a couple of weaknesses, but I think his 4 is the best I have, and I like his broader take on some of the lighter movements. Overall, worthwhile if you can get it cheap.

[ravel30]

I am also interested in the BIS Sibelius Essentials that contains all the Vanska/Lahti symphonies,

I really love that set, it is well worth getting: sixteen CDs for the price of 4. It contains the complete Osmo Vänskä/Lahti Sibelius Symphony cycle, Kullervo, the Concerto for Violin and Orchestra and much more besides. I bought it for €62 in Dublin and I am glad that I did. You will not go wrong with this set.
http://www.musicweb-international.com/c ... 971700.htm

the Davis/LSO live recording of the symphonies

pass

and the Bloomstedt/San Francisco versions too.

Yes, they are well worth getting too.

Sean,

Many thanks your message and the link. I think i will get in the next few days.

Matt.

[ContrapunctusIX]

In case some of you care, I finally made my choice. I bought the Berglund/EMI Classics boxset



I enjoy immensely so far. Thank you all for your recommendations.

Now I have more problems. I am also interested in the BIS Sibelius Essentials that contains all the Vanska/Lahti symphonies, the Davis/LSO live recording of the symphonies and the Bloomstedt/San Francisco versions too.

Good choice Matt, in my (admittedly biased) opinion! The Vanska is really good as well IMO - actually somewhat similar to Berglund in approach, but with some less conventional moments (this isn't a bad thing). Haven't heard the Blomstedt, but a bunch of people here have raved about it and it's piqued my interest. I'd personally skip Davis. He's rather dull in my estimation.

Honestly, my advice to you would be to let the Berglund sink in for a bit before you plop down more loot for another set. It's a great - and most importantly CONSISTENT - set that deserves some serious listening time.

[Chalkperson]

Hate to admit it, but based on what I've heard of many of the examples given in this thread, I'd have to stick with Simon Rattle and the CBSO's cycle from the early 90s for EMI. Overall wonderful music-making.

Yeah, I mentioned Rattle earlier expecting a flame storm, but probably no one thought it was worth the typing.

Le Rat uses less letters than Rattle...

[karlhenning]

I need to revisit the Maazel, but offhand, the Sixths I should commend (won't be a surprise, given my response to the thread subject) are Blomstedt/SFSO and Berglund/Helsinki.

On revisitation, I find that Maazel and the Vienna Phil do very nicely with the Sixth.

Just so the thread isn't left dangling ; )

Cheers,
~Karl

[ravel30]

Well, FWIW the Berglund recordings over which I pound the table are with the Helsinki Phil, not the Bournemouth Symphony. This traversal of the symphonies I do not find even remotely tepid.

I have somehow managed to accumulate more Sibelius symphony cycles than of any other composer's symphonies. In chronological order of my own acquisition:

Maazel/Wiener Philharmoniker
Bernstein/NY Phil
Blomstedt/SFSO
Berglund/Helsinki Phil

I do like each and every one of them, should not willingly part with any of them . . . but if a thief came in the night and made off with the lot, which would I repurchase first? A toss-up between Berglund and Blomstedt.

Cheers,
~Karl

Karlhenning,

I want to thank you for that comment of yours. I greatly value your opinion and that comment really helped me when I was at the store and about to make my choice.

Same can be said to ContrapunctusIX and Val.

As for everyone else, you have all made excellent points and recommendations. As soon as I get a real job, you can be sure that I will think of all your replies when it will be time for other purchases.

Matt.