The Fifth Symphony
Recordings Survey Part 3 (Historic)
Last update: 20 June 2000
by the Inkpot
Sibelius Nutcasetm
Click
here for Inktroduction | Part
2 | Part 3 (Historic)
In approximate order of RECORDING
Please note that CD timings indicate only duration of Symphony No.5 on record.
Symphonies Nos.1, 2, 3 & 5. Incidental Music to Belshazzar's Feast.
Pohjola's Daughter. Karelia Suite. Tapiola.
London Symphony Orchestra and Unnamed Orchestra conducted by Robert
Kajanus
FINLANDIA4509-95882-2
[186:48] mid-price. Symphony No.5 (29'05") recorded June 1932 (released
1992). MONO.
Though this would be considered a very important historic recording
- the first, and then by one of Sibelius' most important friends and supporters
- the playing tends to lack grace, especially in the somewhat flat-footed
woodwinds. There are some (to ears of today, I suppose) odd choices in
tempo. But the interpretation itself is impressive, and the closing pages
of the first movement bravely done - except that the ending is abrupt.
One does get the impression that this is a courageous beginning of a journey
- that of a new symphony - and the slight taste of clumsiness can be forgiven.
This is especially so by the time you reach the finale, where the Swan
Hymn strides forward beautifully as if relishing its birth.
Symphonies Nos.4 & 5. Finlandia.
Philharmonia Orchestra
conducted by Herbert von Karajan
EMI Classics Karajan Edition
CDM5 66600-2
[78:23] mid-price. Symphony No.5 (32'32") recorded Jul 1952 (released
1998). MONO.
As far as I know this is Karajan's first recording (of four) of the Fifth. The winds sound rather scrawny due to the monophonic sound, but wonderful sound it is nonetheless. The reading of the symphony already shows Karajan's deep understanding of the music, displayed in the natural grasp of the symphony's details, lines and dynamic expressions. The duration of this performance is on the long side (but it's only 1952 and not many recordings exist) - Karajan takes his time to build up the first movement up to the swelling climax - and well done it is. The conclusion of the first movement is a master model of its kind - here, in this gorgeous 1952 mono recording - just listen to those details and the power driving them. A majestic and exciting Finlandia opens the disc with heartfelt patroitism.
Symphonies Nos.1-7.
Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Sixten Ehrling
FINLANDIA
3984-22713-2
[217:40] full-price (3CD set). Symphony No.5 (27'19") recorded Jan 1953
(part of first complete cycle on record). Reissued 1999.
Though the style of interpretation is more towards the direct and straightforward type, the results are surprisingly amiable. The first movement is full of confidence and strength, with firmness of expression. It has an unfaltering flow which is continued in the Andante - it sounds like there is a little too much momentum and speed, but it still sounds right. It is like perceiving a river's flow - it may seem too fast, yet it is natural in feel. The finale is energetic, the "Swan Hymn" extraordinarily beautiful and heartfelt despite the old recording. Although the remastering (or the instruments) experience a little strained harmony, the effect remains grand. Throughout, once again, Ehrling's sense of momentum does not lapse.
Symphonies Nos.2 & 5
Philharmonia Orchestra
conducted by Herbert von Karajan
EMI Classics Karajan Edition
CDM5 66599-2
[77:04] mid-price. Symphony No.5 (30'54") recorded Sep 1960.
Karajan recorded the symphony again with the Philharmonia in 1960. This unfortunately, is hardly the best. It opens well, and is just as fine until the flute spoils the picture with a strained note or two. The performance is slightly wanting in concentration for the first third of the movement, though the orchestra plays with marvellous skill throughout the symphony.
The first big climax near the beginning does not quite have the swell and burst of light which distinguishes the Berlin 1965 recording. Nevertheless, the point where the two original movements were joined (around 8'46") is beautifully executed by Karajan. In the monumental conclusion, the Philharmonia rises to the occasion with a glorious blaze of brass. The precision of their playing, along with the pulsating horns in the background, provide an exciting ending. (Extract from full review).
|
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. |
|
Click to Return
to the Classical Index!... or Visit the Inkvault archives! |
 |
Explore the Flying Inkpot
| Concert Reviews |
Bit deadish:
| SIBELIUS |
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
Kullervo This Way Lies the Future: An Inktroduction with further links
The Violin Concerto Original and Final Versions on BIS
Other Orchestral Works
Tapiola The Forest's Mighty God: An Inktroduction
Neeme Järvi and the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra - Tone Poems on DG:
Karelia Suite, The Oceanides,
Luonnotar, King Christian Suite, Finlandia
En Saga, Excerpts
from Kuolema, The Bard, Tapiola
Finlandia and other Tone
Poems A Double Decca compilation
The Stuff of Legend
Karelia Complete
Music for the Pageant (BIS)
Karelia & Press Celebrations
Complete Music (Ondine)
King Christian and Pelléas et Mélisande Complete Incidental Music
The Bard of Sibelius
Everyman and Belshazzar's Feast Incidental Music (BIS)
The Origin of Fire and other Choral Works
The Tempest - Sibelius' Farewell (An Essay and inktroduction)
The Tempest Suites with Segerstam/Helsinki PO (Ondine)
Choral Music
Music for Mixed Choir
(BIS)
Chamber Works
Early Chamber Music Vol.I
and Vol.II (Ondine)
Complete Youth Production for Violin & Piano Vols.1 & 2 (BIS)
Piano Music Vol.2. Gimse (Naxos)
Books
Sibelius Phaidon
20th Century Composers