Search - Jean Sibelius, Alexander Gibson, Scottish National Orchestra :: Sibelius: Scenes Historiques suites 1 & 2; Rakastava; Valse Lyrique

Shine the spotlight on Sibelius' lesser known orchestral wor

Gary D. Warner | Saginaw, MI | 10/20/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you're as fond as I am of Sibelius the symphonist, you find among his many assets, that his gift for perfect brevity leaves you wanting more. When you learned of the demise of Symphony No. 8, for example, you were upset if not a little devastated.



Thus when I came upon this offering, I was indeed in search of more Sibelius orchestral music (beyond that of his symphonies and best known tone poems) but was unable to find a review anywhere. About all I had to go on was the fine reputation of the Chandos label, as well as that of the Scottish National Orchestra and Alexander Gibson, so I took a small gamble that fortunately yielded splendid returns.



If you're wondering (like I was) whether or not this disc would make a worthy addition to your Sibelius collection, basically I offer this modest review as a heads-up.



Though lesser known, these are among the more substantive of Sibelius' minor works comparatively, which should likewise carry weight as to their importance. Without question, their orchestral, not to mention historic significance, richly deserve much wider exposure. In particular, "Scenes Historiques I & II" bear the unmistakable magic of the composer's signature as potently as his most popular tone poems, especially considering their close association with "Finland Awakes" later known as his biggest hit, "Finlandia." Denby Richards' excellent liner notes provide further illumination.



The three suites plus the Valse Lyrique piece are dynamically performed with compelling sparkle, conviction and expertise of the first rank. Gibson's interpretations are variably vivacious and aptly subdued when called for, delivered with majestic sweep, and eminently certain to gratify the appetite for authentic Sibelius.



As for the 2005 remastering of a stereo analog recording of exemplary 1977 quality, the sound is captured in warm yet crisp, spacious and natural detail. Finely balanced colors and delectably defined textures are topped off by a full range of luminous strings. So go ahead and treat yourself to more Sibelius. Then if you still want more, be advised that Amazon offers his complete works from the BIS label, who with acclaim, have committed to disc every note he ever wrote!*



*(Except of course, those he irretrievably withheld from us).

"