Currently viewing the tag: "Symphony No.1"
To the casual listener, Jean Sibelius is popular as a “Romantic Nationalist” composer; to the serious listener, he is a unique master symphonist. To both…
A midsummer sunset in southeastern Finland – Photo by Annona.
Sibelius demonstrates in the First Symphony a powerful sense of forward momentum. This is demonstrated with relentless energy by the Lahti Symphony (Sinfonia Lahti) in this recording, with razor sharp precision. This style brings out something that seemingly [...]
Many listeners have acknowledged the more “Slavic”, warmer tone of Ashkenazy’s Decca cycle – no problem for the First Symphony! The opening clarinet solo is already molded with personality, and indeed this reading of the Symphony bursts forth with brilliance and purpose – life.
This is a short review from about 1999 that I’m republishing as I revive and freshen up my original Inktroduction to Sibelius’s First Symphony. Originally available as a single CD with the Third Symphony, released under EMI’s Classics for Pleasure budget line in 1996, the recording is now available as part of a “Sibelius [...]
The common and easily jumped-to conclusion about Sibelius’ First Symphony is that it is a “Romantic”, “Nationalist” and/or “patriotic” work. There is indeed some element of truth in using these convenient terms, but it would be unjustified to claim that that is all to this symphony.
Sibelius vehemently denied any extra-musical meaning to all his [...]
Jean Sibelius
I have traversed the forests of Tapio, I have heard tales from Kullervo's blade. I have scored the chorus of tempests, and transcribed the scent of drying hemp into song. I have caressed the smooth shell of Luonnotar's egg, and I have wept farewell for Runeberg's bard.
This blog belongs to the Inkpot Sibelius Nutcase. He writes about the Finnish composer, Jean Sibelius.- Why so many conducting Finns? http://t.co/U5TTDGK9
- RT @ABCClassic: Ever wondered just what a conductor does? Fascinating video from @NYTimes. http://t.co/uN5P6msD
- Which is the best musical instrument? http://t.co/WMgrV7eU
