March listening project: Sibelius Symphony no. 5

[ravel30]

Hello everyone,

After a long time debating what piece I would like to have as our listening project for the month of March I finally set my choice on Sibelius Symphony no. 5. I hope as many people as possible will be happy with that choice. From past experience here and on the other forum, I came to realized that Sibelius is one of the only 20th century composer who almost everyone like so I thought that he would be a good place to look.

I considered suggesting his entire symphony cycle but thanks to some of you I came to the conclusion that it is not such a good idea for now. I certainly don't want anyone to be overhelm by something that is meant to be fun. Also, as much that I think that this project idea is wonderful, I don't think that it should be such that it takes a big portion of our listening time. So an entire symphony cycle may be too much.

Why Sibelius' 5th of all his symphonies you may ask? Because in my opinion it is among his best, most accessible and also because I do not know many people who do not like it.

I am planning to write a nice introduction sometimes closer to March 1st so that we could all (especially me) concentrate on the beautiful Four Seasons by Vivaldi for the moment.

Thank you for letting me suggesting this project for the month of March and I hope that this will give the occasion to many of you to discover or rediscover what I consider a beautiful piece.

Kind regards from Canada.

Matt.

[Seán]

The music of Jean Sibelius is a good choice Matt, well done. Sibelius is not universally liked but he certainly does have a considerable following on this board, his 5th is an interesting work.

[fergus]

That is a wonderful choice Matt. I have a few versions of that great work and I look forward to much discussion on the matter.

[Diapason]

Well that's good, it'll force me to buy some music I've been dithering over buying for a while.

[Claus]

Great choice Matt! I have only heard very little Sibelius and don't own any of his works. The Blomstedt SFSO Symphony cycle is in my Amazon basket ready to ship. Should be here in time for March and I am really looking forward to this one.... :D

[Jared]

Great choice, Matt! Really looking forward to reading your thoughts on this piece.

For anyone hoping to join in, who doesn't already own a version of S5, do you have a suggestion for a quality, inexpensive single disk you could recommend for them to purchase? I'll paste it up into the listening notes if you do... :-)

[Seán]

Great choice, Matt! Really looking forward to reading your thoughts on this piece.

For anyone hoping to join in, who doesn't already own a version of S5, do you have a suggestion for a quality, inexpensive single disk you could recommend for them to purchase? I'll paste it up into the listening notes if you do... :-)

Here you go, the Lahti with Vänskä, in BOTH the 1915 and 1919 versions: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sibelius-Sympho ... 021&sr=8-9 alas I only have the latter in a complete set.

[Diapason]

Now I'm in a quandary: buy a single disc, or buy a 15 disc box set...

[Jared]

Now I'm in a quandary: buy a single disc, or buy a 15 disc box set...

this is proving to be a very expensive forum for you, isn't it, my friend! lol.

I'm quite sure there will be many recommendations given, but if you want a good yet inexpensive boxset of his 7 symphonies, then these are both under £11 inc P&P:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sibelius-Sympho ... 632&sr=1-6

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sibelius-Comple ... 746&sr=1-7

the truly fine sets including; Vanska, Berglund, Jaavi, Segerstam and Blomstedt are all available, but a little more expensive.

[Seán]

Now I'm in a quandary: buy a single disc, or buy a 15 disc box set...

15 of course!