Excellent Sibelius on Naxos
JohnL | Alexander, NC United States | 03/08/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a very nice coupling of Sibelius' last two Symphonies. Petri Sakari conducts the Iceland Symphony Orchestra in very fine fashion. They play with a heartwarming fervour, especially the woodwinds. The outer movements of No. 6 have plenty of fire. The performance of Sibelius single-movement 7th is no less attractive. Gramophone Magazine gave this recording their monthly Editor's Choice Award. The Penguin Guide gave this 3 stars, which is "an outstanding performance and recording in every way". Also, the French magazine La Monde de la Musique gave it their highest "Special Award CHOC symbol". As if not enough, Naxos throws in a very likable account of the rarely heard Second Suite from Sibelius' 1925 incidental music from The Tempest. At a wonderful low price, Naxos provides an excellent 71-plus minutes from the great Finnish composer. Warmly recommended."
The best of Sakari's Sibelius Symphony cycle on Naxos
Erik Homenick | San Diego, California | 05/26/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"As far as I'm concerned, Petri Sakari's cycle of Sibelius symphonies on Naxos is, for the most part, a very "middle of the road" affair in terms of interpretation. Sakari's Icelandic forces are by no means without their merits; quite to the contrary; this is a very good orchestra. What is lacking in Sakari's Sibelius symphonies is that something extra to make them stand out against the formidable competition that is available at a budget price or otherwise.
Remember, I said MOST of Sakari's Sibelius symphonies lack that extra ounce of specialness. This disc is the exception. A BIG exception.
This recording is simply ravashing. Both the 6th and 7th symphonies are performed with such freshness and sensitivity that it makes me wonder what prevented Sakari from working the same magic on the other discs. Within both symphonies, there is a forward momentum that seems to be lacking in most recordings of these works (why does everyone have to take them so slowly?) that makes these an edge-of-your-seat experience. The 6th especially is performed with a rare passion that makes what is Sibelius's most elusive symphony an exciting listen as opposed to a simply satisfying one.
And let's not forget Sakari's brilliant Suite No. 2 from THE TEMPEST. Again, there is a certain excitment here that seems to be lacking in other recordings of this rare piece.
Anyone who is a skeptic when it comes to "late Sibelius" should acquire this disc without delay. Of course, anyone who already loves these works should not hesitate in adding these recordings to their collection. As far as Sakari's Sibelius goes, thos one's a real "diamond in the rough.""
Track Listings (13) - Disc #1
