Search - NBC Symphony Orchestra :: Jean Sibelius: Symphonies Nos.1 and 2

Stokowski and the Giant of the North

Jerome R. Selmer | Arcadia, CA, USA | 01/04/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have been a true fan of Leopold Stokowski since I first saw the film "Fantasia" in 1940. Thus, I have a definite bias. Having said that and trying to be a objective as possible, I have always believed that this recording of the Sibelius 2nd Symphony is the best ever made, and in my opinion, the finest recording Stokowski ever made. It is magnificent in every respect. Do not let the fact that it is mono sound dissuade you. The recording is powerful. The recording of the 1st Symphony is a bit less so. His orchestra at that time was too small to do the work full justice. His later performance on Sony with the National Symphony Orchestra is a stronger performance. Nevertheless, this is a beautiful set to have and the Leopold Stokowski Society and Cala Records are to be commended for their continuing efforts to produce Stokowski's classic recordings."

The Greatest Sibelius 2nd

GB | Sebastopol, CA | 05/14/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This has been a treasure of the family for years and the album we had of it is scratchy and well loved. The transfer to cd is not pristine and if you are looking for a more modern sound the Ashkenazy Sibelius is well made but this one just has a certain something that puts it above all the rest. I have heard easily ten different versions of the second and this one is definetly my favorite. Apparently Stokowski only recorded six symphonies with the NBC symphony before Toscanini jealously got him fired. They have all been collectors for years and now you can actually listen to one with out paying a fortune. If you do decide to purchase it I think you will instantly realize why it has been so treasured by classical music lovers. Enjoy!"