Search - J. Sibelius :: Symphonies No.4 & 5

Remarkable Performances in the Round

Martin A Hogan | San Francisco, CA. (Hercules) | 04/20/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Jean Sibelius's seven symphonies were allegedly a reaction of conservatism against twentieth century modernism. Ironically, it sounds and feels more radical than most compositions. The fourth and fifth symphonies start with brooding cellos with a slow introduction in Allegro. Many times it switches back to Adagio and uses horns and kettle drums with whimsical strings that seem to be playing different symphonies, but somehow manage to pull together. It must be an extraordinary piece to play.



I am no classical music expert, but I do recognize that Sibelius moves from one tempo and mood to an opposite extreme, almost effortlessly. Each section of the orchestra plays distinct sections from the strings, to horns with outbursts of melodic oboe and cello. Sibelius captures mood more than any classical artist I have listened to. That's why I was so shocked when I found this in 5.1 surround sound. You can actually hear how many violins, cellos, flutes, oboes or horns are playing. The sound is not distinct from speaker to speaker but was recorded as if in a concert hall with the rear speakers picking up the ambience of the performance with a minor full sounding echo and resonance. Even in stereo these are remarkable symphonies, but in surround, it is just like being in a grand concert hall.

"