Jean SIBELIUS (1865-1957) En Saga, op.9 Spring Song, op.16 Four excerpts from incidental music to Kuolema The Bard, op.64 Tapiola, op.112

Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra
conducted by Neeme Järvi

DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON 457 654-2
[71:21] full-price

by The Inkpot Sibelius Nutcase

What makes this En Saga different, on first impression, is the rather quick tempo which Järvi takes for the opening stepwise/"trudging" motif. He proves himself as a master of pacing, though, by sensitively moulding this unusual speed into the main section of the work. What emerges is a more regal and dignified account of the tone poem, as opposed to the raw fury of Ashkenazy's reading (Decca), or the mythic magic of Berglund's.

Järvi (left) and the Gothenburg players bring into the music a sense of broad epic, of smooth snowy vistas - don't get me wrong, this saga does not present its adventurers with an easy trek. Rather, it presents them the heroism of the mythic landscape, the musical and spiritual meditation of its Kalevalian inspiration - witness the bittersweet sigh of the closing clarinet hymn, forlornly sung by Urban Claesson.

The same sort of treatment is offered in the performance of the first of the four excerpts from Kuolema - the world-famous Valse triste. Its climax here does not have the fury of other readings (Karajan's 1980s recording comes to mind) - and in this way impresses me with its dedicated unity of atmosphere and interpretation. The waltz rhythm is less obvious here, which is an interesting variation for this much-recorded work. Even in the final excerpt, the Valse romantique, the sensation of dance is de-emphasized, it seems, in order to showcase a rather more smoothened (and soothing) flow in the music.

The performance of the "Scene with Cranes" exhibits a tendency for faster than expected tempo as well. The crucial clarinet cries are done with a spot too much theatrical contrast and too little sense of mystery, but on further listening, I find it is nevertheless evenly sustained, atmospheric and well-paced. By and large though, I still prefer Simon Rattle's rendition on EMI.

One exceptional skill that Järvi possesses is his expert hand at crescendo/diminuendo and the building/resolution of tension around climaxes. This is put to good use in the rendition of the Spring Song, an orchestral paean to the natural grandeur of the season. Järvi pulls no stops in the voluminous climaxes, and judges the sequence of growing passages with noble exuberance.

The Gothenburg orchestra is as fine as ever, from their glorious days at BIS to today. They have a richness and togetherness of sound which, in combination with their conductor, has formed a model of Sibelian soundscapes (matched only by the Lahti Symphony). Just listen to the detail of the individual sections of instruments within the fused voice of the entire orchestral picture - the pizzicato in Valse triste or the luscious Canzonetta (of Kuolema), for example.

Of all the music on this disc, there are two high points: The Bard, and Tapiola.

I have been a longtime worshipper of Järvi's classic and unbeatable 1986 performance of The Bard on that old BIS CD (CD-384). This "new" version was recorded in May 1994, and for the most part (especially the first two thirds), sounds very similar in spirit. It is almost another case of Järvi's two recordings of the Andante Festivo, again the old one on BIS and the new one on DG .

This newer DG version shows a little more of the score's details; or perhaps another way of putting it is the balance of instruments is slightly different. In the final analysis, I still prefer the older recording - it still retains a greater sense of forlornness, of loss, sadness and the finality of life in its last heroic breaths. In this DG reading, there is again a sense that Järvi is smoothening the music. The great cry of brass that forms its climax is handled with more feeling in the BIS performance, and the ending of that all the more heart-breaking. The single note of the tam-tam is hardly audible in the DG version, whereas it is one of the most spine-tingling details of the BIS recording. Nevertheless, by and large, both performances are very satisfying, the BIS version being the more touching.

And then, we come to Tapiola, certainly one the holiest grails of Sibelian conducting. This time, Järvi's sense of orchestral breath and unity of sound and sequence is hardly a fault. This Tapiola breathes, flows, floats, drifts, burrows, rustles, grows and seethes with measured - but quickening - pace.

This forest isn't as dark and sorcerous, perhaps, as the classic Karajan reading of 1984 (also on DG), but it has an underlying excitement balanced with a light concentration. What I am trying to describe is a sense of smooth flow fused with a soft(er) tingle of magic. Tapio here seems not so much the brooding dark titan, but more an ethereal misty presence wafting through the forests.

The storm section towards the end, as expected, did not match the blizzard of the most fearsome performances, but it fits into Järvi's interpretive choice. Once again, watch how, at the end, he raises a heaving crescendo which only slides magically away into quiet of the final chord; and this concluding B major string hymn is very serene indeed, much more than the usual. A very interesting Tapiola then, more light than dark.

Despite the small reservations I have mentioned above, this is definitely a very welcome and recommendable disc. Perhaps only those who demand darker and more emoted interpretations should stay away. Personally, I enjoyed this disc immensely - it is good to hear some variation on some oft-recorded works, the unity in the execution of these works as an album, the fact that Järvi and the Gothenburg orchestra remains good, and last but not least, a new recording of that under-recorded and under-rated masterpiece, The Bard. (But if you can, you should still get the BIS version).

It's high time DG started a new cycle of Sibelius symphonies, isn't it?

S I B E L I U S Nature is coming to life: that life which I so love, now and always, whose essence shall pervade everything which I compose.

In Singapore, BIS discs can be found or ordered from HMV (The Heeren, City Link).

The Inkpot Sibelius Nutcase does not visit HMV very often. When he does, he has the tendency to reduce the amount of Sibelius CDs they are carrying at anytime by about 5-10%.

Click to Return to the Classical Index!... or Visit the Inkvault archives!

800: 30.10.2000. up.29.11.2000 ©Inkpot Sibelius Nutcase

Readers' Comments

---

From: nike sb (few@163.com / Friday, June 18, 2010 at 17:38:57)

nike sb nike dunks nike sb dunks nike dunk sb nike outlet nike dunk shoes nike sb sale nike skateboarding Nike Dunks Low Nike Dunks High Nike Dunks Mid Nike Dunks Women Supreme Nike SB World Famous Bruin chi flat irons ghd hair straighteners ghd iv mk4 styler chi camo collection ghd hk ghd rare chi ceramic flat irons cheap ghd hair straighteners CHI Babyliss Flat Iron CHI Camo Collection CHI Ceramic Flat Iron CHI TURBO Flat Iron WEE CHI Flat Iron GHD Benefit Styler GHD Comb GHD IV Stylers GHD MK4 Stylers GHD MK5 Stylers GHD Precious Gift Set GHD Pretty In Pink CHI Pink Camo Collection CHI Green Camo Collection CHI Bule Camo Collection CHI Black Ceramic Flat Iron CHI Bule Ceramic Flat Iron CHI Nano Ceramic Digital 1 Flat Iron CHI Pink Ceramic Flat Iron CHI Red Ceramic Flat Iron CHI Red Dazzle Flat Iron CHI TURBO 1 Flat Iron CHI TURBO 2 Flat Iron GHD IV Mini Styler GHD IV New Rare Styler GHD IV Rare Styler GHD IV Salon Styler GHD IV Styler Kiss Pink GHD IV MK4 Styler Black GHD IV MK4 Styler Gold GHD IV MK4 Styler Pink GHD IV MK4 Styler Purple GHD MK5 Dark GHD MK5 Limited Edition GHD MK5 White

---

From: burberry handbags (seo007lee@gmail.com / Tuesday, July 20, 2010 at 14:33:30)

This is a great post! Really!I'll make my own little contribution to the list soon.Burberry is a British luxury fashion house, manufacturing clothing but also shoes and other apparel.Burberry company was founded in 1856 by Thomas Burberry, a former draper's apprentice in England.High level quality and a perfect combination of British style and innovative design make every Burberry Handbag or accessory a luxury which every passionate should deserve.You can buy replica Burberry Handbags and Burberry Scarves at affordable price. fashion Burberry bags and wallets discount Burberry Handbags for sale online Hi-Q Burberry Scarves fashion items. choos louis vuitton handbags louis vuitton handbags go to buy louis vuitton bags louis vuitton handbags looking forlouis vuitton louis vuitton handbags there are many louis vuitton bag louis vuitton handbags about louis vuitton wallets louis vuitton wallets and louis vuitton purses louis vuitton wallets good things of louis vuitton wallets louis vuitton wallets discount louis vuitton handbags on sale fashion replica louis vuitton on sale looking for louis vuitton purses on sale miu miu handbags miumiu purses I want to buy a miu miu handbag fashion miu miu bag Fashion ladies Watches for sale Cool men's Watches on sale go tobuy Watches yeah! there manyWatches for sale,your can choose best! ------ on sale Replica HandbagsReplica Handbags chooseReplica Gucci Handbags Replica Gucci Handbags cheap Replica Louis Vuitton Handbags Replica Louis Vuitton Handbags sales replica bags online replica louis vuitton bags on sale chinese cheap gucci bags online go to buy louis vuitton handbags many louis vuitton handbags on sale I want to buy louis vuitton wallets on sale looking for louis vuitton shoes for sale

---

From: sdfs (dfsdf@gmial.com / Tuesday, July 27, 2010 at 15:52:38)

chanel gucci hermes louis vuitton designer handbags vertu phones designer handbags reviews replica handbags replica phones vertu replica tag heuer phone mobiado cartier-phones goldvish rolex mobile porsche phone replica blackberry iphone replica Diamonds By The Yard Tiffany Diamonds By The Yard tiffany replica

---

From: shely (hxj@126.com / Tuesday, August 3, 2010 at 15:34:25)

It's a interesting news,i like it.Additionally,wellcome to my website oboots.There are so many cheap ugg boots such as: ugg ukuggs on salecheap ugg bootsugg classic boots ugg bailey button|ugg bailey button boots|ugg argyle knit|ugg argyle knit boots|ugg cardy|ugg classic cardy boots|ugg crochet|ugg crochet boots|ugg flower|ugg flower boots|ugg leopard|ugg leopard boots|UGG Classic Tall Leopard|UGG Classic Tall Leopard boots|ugg mini|ugg classic mini boots|ugg paisley|ugg paisley boots|UGG Classic Short Paisley|UGG Classic Short Paisley boots|UGG Short Paisley|UGG Short Paisley boots|ugg short|ugg classic short boots|ugg tall|ugg classic tall boots|ugg elsey wedge|ugg elsey wedge boots|ugg infants erin|ugg infants erin boots|ugg langley|ugg langley boots|ugg lo pro|ugg lo pro boots|ugg locarno|ugg locarno boots|ugg mayfaire|ugg mayfaire boots|ugg nightfall|ugg nightfall boots|ugg rainier eskimo|ugg rainier eskimo boots|UGG Sundance II|UGG Sundance II boots|ugg ultimate bind|ugg ultimate bind boots|ugg ultra short|ugg ultra short boots|ugg ultra tall|ugg ultra tall boots|ugg suede|ugg suede boots|ugg upside|ugg upside boots|ugg roxy|ugg roxy boots|ugg seline|ugg seline boots|ugg corinth wedge|ugg corinth wedge boots|ugg liberty|ugg liberty boots|ugg highkoo|ugg highkoo boots|ugg knightsbridge|ugg knightsbridge boots|ugg bomber jacket|ugg bomber jacket boots|ugg adirondack|ugg adirondack boots|ugg suburb crochet|ugg suburb crochet boots|UGG Roseberry Suede|UGG Roseberry Suede Boots|UGG Smithfield Tall|UGG Smithfield Tall Boots|UGG Gaviota|UGG Gaviota Boots|UGG Brookfield Tall|UGG Brookfield Tall Boots|UGG Ashur|UGG Ashur Boots|UGG Cove|UGG Cove Boots|UGG Desoto|UGG Desoto Boots|UGG Shoreline|UGG Shoreline Boots|UGG Tess|UGG Tess Boots|UGG High Heel Tall|UGG High Heel Tall Boots|UGG Caroline|UGG Caroline Boots|UGG Stella|UGG Stella Boots|UGG Swell Tall|UGG Swell Tall Boots|UGG Men's Brookfield|UGG Men's Brookfield Boots| ugg boots|uggs on sale|cheap ugg boots|ugg size guide| There are so much style of cheap ugg boots,so once you go to my website you will be very surprise.

---

From: FDSA (fdas@dfasf.com / Tuesday, August 3, 2010 at 16:15:50)

gate valve gate valves silk comforter soymilk maker silk duvets globe valves butterfly valve Chelerythrine Chloride ball valve

---

From: louis vuitton replica (456324@qq.com / Friday, August 6, 2010 at 09:29:29)

said that louis vuitton handbags when she

---

From: ascscascasc (ascsadvdsf@wsdsa.com / Monday, August 16, 2010 at 15:13:17)

Wholesale Clothing China Korean Fashion Korean Wholesale Clothing Wholesale Clothing Distributors Korean Clothes Wholesale Korean Fashion Wholesale Wholesale Korean Clothes China Clothing Wholesale Korea Wholesale Korean Dress China Fashion Wholesale Wholesale China Clothing Korean Clothing Wholesale Wholesale Korean Fashion Chinese Wholesale Clothes

---

From: Allen (wubofeng444@yahoo.com / Thursday, September 2, 2010 at 10:21:54)

I greatly benefit from your articles every time I read one. Thanks for the headphones info, it helps a lot. What an inspiring article you wrote! I totally like the useful mdr ex500sl review info shared in the article. Excellent point here. I wish there are more and more mdr-ne2 articles like that. when washing eyeglasses under running water glasses need bath and cleaning to keep a good You have given us some interesting points on noise cancelling earphones uk. This is a wonderful article and surely Excellent point here. I wish there are more and more New sennheiser cx 95 articles like that.

---

From: miu miu (70aa001@gmail.com / Thursday, September 9, 2010 at 15:18:51)

Buy the latest fendi handbags fendi shoes,free returns up to 40% off the latest styles from fendi at luxury fendi store high quality fendi bags for cheap sale Shop the 2010 gucci Fall Winter Collection Online Today Looking for gucci bags gucci products 80% OFF Authentic gucci handbags Free Ship buy miu miu handbags today beauful miu miu bags miu miu on sale large numbers of miu miu handbags discount Get New Designer gucci bags for Less Join Our luxury bags Auctions and Start Saving luxury bags louis vuitton bag sale hot limited supply louis vuitton louis vuitton handbags on sale louis vuitton louis vuitton bags louis vuitton handbags lv our new collection of stylish lv handbags louis vuitton sale lv on sale louis LV vuitton lv handbags wallet hard to find louis vuitton wallet wallets here luggage have beautiful louis vuitton luggage to global travel louis handbags buy brands louis vuitton handbags save 65% off here wide selection of cartier watches enjoy free ship brand new models breitling watches at great prices all models omega watches omega watches for sale Find new christian louboutin shoes christian louboutin sale Buy christian louboutin shoes sale christian louboutin shoes today have

 

Explore the Flying Inkpot

They're Alive!

Classical Music

Concert Reviews

Theatre Reviews

Bit deadish:

Film Reviews

Music Reviews

Other Resources at The Flying Inkpot

Zine Scene	Newslinks	Movie Resources	Booklinks
Chantelle L'amour	Letters Page	Inkvault	Poetry

Home

The Symphonies
The First Symphony An Inktroduction
The First Symphony Survey of Recordings

The Fifth Symphony An Inktroduction
The Fifth Symphony Survey of Recordings

The Seventh Symphony An Inktroduction
The Seventh Symphony Survey of Recordings

Lahti/Vänskä Cycle: Nos.1 & 4 | 2 & 3 | 5 & 5 | 6 & 7, Tapiola

The Bournemouth Symphony/Berglund Cycle (1970s)

Iceland/Sakari Cycle: Nos. 1 & 3 | 2 | 4 & 5 | 6 & 7 | Four Legends

More Symphonies reviews at the Inkvault