Colin Davis’ Sibelius is well-known and regarded but surprisingly some key Sibelius recordings of his with the Boston Symphony have never made it to CD. These include ‘Pohjola’s Daughter’ and ‘En saga’. His ‘Karelia Suite’ is rare at best. Together with Valse Triste’ and ‘Tapiola’, these make up an excellent disc of Sibelius Tone Poems.
JEAN SIBELIUS
Pohjola’s Daughter, Op. 49
Valse Triste, Op. 44
Karelia Suite, Op. 11
En Saga, Op. 9
Tapiola, Op. 112
Boston Symphony Orchestra
Colin Davis
Recording location: Symphony Hall, Boston, April 1979 (Pohjola’s Daughter, Karelia Suite); March 1980 (Valse triste, En Saga); December 1976 (Tapiola)
Mastering engineer: Richard Beutel (Emil Berliner Studios)
‘the perspectives are close, but thrillingly so, revealing every iota of color and textural interest …These are magnificent performances all, the conductor and players totally inside the composer’s special idiom … what you have here are Sibelius’ three greatest tone poems (En Saga, Pohjola’s Daughter, and Tapiola) in outstanding interpretations and great sound, along with two popular favorites done every bit as well. Need I say more?’ 10/10 ClassicsToday.com
‘Beautifully refined and imaginative performances…a very welcome return to the catalogue’ **** Penguin Guide