Sibelius: Symphonies 2 & 5 - Vanska (BIS)

[Russell_L]

Downloaded from eClassical. (This is the first album in a new Sibelius series from Osmo Vanska and the Minnesota Orchestra.) Very, very nice all around!

 

 

 

 

 

Russell

 

[Boris75]

Thanks for the recommendation. This recording is available at a 50% discount from eClassical today. I am very tempted to go for it even though I already have a couple of recordings of these symphonies.

[Robert Hutton]

Thanks for the recommendation. This recording is available at a 50% discount from eClassical today. I am very tempted to go for it even though I already have a couple of recordings of these symphonies.

 

I have the 2/5 and 1/4 DL's in this series. They are better readings overall (and sonically much better) than his earlier Lahti cycle, and so far pretty much the only choice for hi-res Sibelius symphonies. BUT - they will not be the final word or the ultimate, the Minnesota playing is at a very high level, but still cannot be as idiomatic as a Nordic orchestra - particularly in 1 and 2, it's a bit too Tchaikosky-ish, 4 is very fine, 5 is excellent but not in the class of Karajan, Berglund, Barbirolli, or a number of others.

 

Still, more than worth the discounted price!!

[Boris75]

I have the 2/5 and 1/4 DL's in this series. They are better readings overall (and sonically much better) than his earlier Lahti cycle, and so far pretty much the only choice for hi-res Sibelius symphonies. BUT - they will not be the final word or the ultimate, the Minnesota playing is at a very high level, but still cannot be as idiomatic as a Nordic orchestra - particularly in 1 and 2, it's a bit too Tchaikosky-ish, 4 is very fine, 5 is excellent but not in the class of Karajan, Berglund, Barbirolli, or a number of others.

 

Still, more than worth the discounted price!!

 

Thanks for your insights. Given the low price, I'll go for 2-5 and maybe 1-4 as well.

[BobP63]

Just happened to be listening to this very album when I spotted this tread and wanted to say it's one of my favorites. I also have the second in this series and both are well worth the price of admission and highly recommended.