Tír Na HiFi

Symphony No. 5 from this set....





As we know Sibelius endorsed the interpretations of his music by Kajanus so these recordings are probably as close to how Sibelius wanted them played as it is possible to get now. Although recorded in the early 1930s the quality is quite good if a little on the thin side.

The first thing that one notices is the pacing; it is on the slightly quicker side of what I have heard at 29:06 minutes. The opening is quite expansive with very clear textural lines for the woodwinds. As the movement develops there is quite a noticeable build up of tension in the strings. When we get to the horn motif the pace quickens quite noticeably and interestingly, one feels that it is rushed in comparison to a lot of modern interpretations. That previous tension returns in the strings and becomes somewhat menacing as the second part of the movement develops. This menacing tone continues and to me ends in a singularly unresolved way even with, or because of the arrival of the brass. It is all very interesting.

The slow movement is not as light or as delicate as other interpretations that I have heard. It is not ponderous either but it does not have an ethereal feel to it. This could be as a result of the pacing which seems once again to be on the quick side at 8:15 minutes. It is certainly a different take on this lovely piece of music and it is quite interesting; a sentimental take it is not. The conclusion of the movement is beautiful however .

The final movement opens with the usual flurry of the strings and the pace is driven until we get to the horn theme which, although is prominent, is outplayed by the accompanying counterpoint but it is wonderfully done. This movement moves along at a steady pace. The strings are earnestly lovely when they play their themes. There is also a lovely poignancy, almost sadness, as the horn theme returns accompanied by the strings and this poignant mood continues until the end of the movement. The final chords are more determined than emphatic.


This was a very interesting listen and will definitely call for more comparison sessions of this work and the other works in the set. I would also be tempted to get the score of this one just to see the tempo and various other indications on the score.

I'm kind of annoyed with myself for not having a better stab at this, but even though March may be gone, my Sibelius box set is here to stay. If anything, I think branching out form Symphony 5 and then coming back to it against the backdrop of other Sibelius can only expand my appreciation. For now, all I can say is that I "like" the music, haven't learned to "love" it yet, but I'm really happy I'm on the road.

March may be gone -- winter's here -- but this thread lives on, indefinitely. I haven't posted much of late either because of the problems I've been having. I will return to this thread time and time again though to read and post here too.

Diapason wrote:I'm kind of annoyed with myself for not having a better stab at this, but even though March may be gone, my Sibelius box set is here to stay. If anything, I think branching out form Symphony 5 and then coming back to it against the backdrop of other Sibelius can only expand my appreciation. For now, all I can say is that I "like" the music, haven't learned to "love" it yet, but I'm really happy I'm on the road.

I think that it would be worthwhile for you to set down a few thoughts Simon particularly at this stage as you are new to the work. Have you come to like or appreciate it more since you have been listening to it? If so can you say why? If you can manage to set aside some time to do that others may benefit and follow you.

Seán wrote:March may be gone -- winter's here -- but this thread lives on, indefinitely. I haven't posted much of late either because of the problems I've been having. I will return to this thread time and time again though to read and post here too.

Your thoughts would be particularly interesting on this one Seán once you can also find the time as you have been listening to Sibelius longer than most here and would bring an interesting perspective to it.

oh, this thread is very much alive and kicking as far as I am concerned, and when I can claw a bit of time back from work, I will make a much more concerted effort to contribute. I feel very bad about not having helped with the discussion in here and have PM'd Matt to say so, but I see this very much as a work in progress.

I've not listened much to this selection. I did lay hands on 2 different recordings, but to be honest neither of them/the music did it for me. For example, when I think about this thread, my head is still turned by the very dynamic amandine beyer four seasons on the linn label. Maybe it's because I haven't given this enough time.... or maybe I just don't "get" it! Anyway, like the others have mentioned here, the recordings are staying and perhaps I'll revisit them over time.

Now its onwards to have a look at a few pictures in an exhibition.....


Fran

Fran wrote:I've not listened much to this selection. I did lay hands on 2 different recordings, but to be honest neither of them/the music did it for me. For example, when I think about this thread, my head is still turned by the very dynamic amandine beyer four seasons on the linn label. Maybe it's because I haven't given this enough time.... or maybe I just don't "get" it! Anyway, like the others have mentioned here, the recordings are staying and perhaps I'll revisit them over time.

Now its onwards to have a look at a few pictures in an exhibition.....
Fran

Not every piece of music is going to be liked by everyone, that is obvious and there is no doubt that Sibelius 5 is definitely a much tougher listen than Vivaldi's Four Seasons. I think that the sound world of Sibelius is a wonderous cavern but it does require a bit of work to find one's way around it but when one finally gets it to be illuminated its wonders are joyous to behold. Symphonies 1, 2 & 3 along with his Tone Poems are definitely an easier listen for those who may want to explore this composer more.

Just out of curiosity Fran I would be curious as to what versions of the work you were listening to.

fergus wrote:

Fran wrote:I've not listened much to this selection. I did lay hands on 2 different recordings, but to be honest neither of them/the music did it for me. For example, when I think about this thread, my head is still turned by the very dynamic amandine beyer four seasons on the linn label. Maybe it's because I haven't given this enough time.... or maybe I just don't "get" it! Anyway, like the others have mentioned here, the recordings are staying and perhaps I'll revisit them over time.

Now its onwards to have a look at a few pictures in an exhibition.....
Fran

Not every piece of music is going to be liked by everyone, that is obvious and there is no doubt that Sibelius 5 is definitely a much tougher listen than Vivaldi's Four Seasons. I think that the sound world of Sibelius is a wonderous cavern but it does require a bit of work to find one's way around it but when one finally gets it to be illuminated its wonders are joyous to behold. Symphonies 1, 2 & 3 along with his Tone Poems are definitely an easier listen for those who may want to explore this composer more.
Just out of curiosity Fran I would be curious as to what versions of the work you were listening to.

I agree, Symphonies 1 & 3 are definitely more appealing from a newbie's perspective.

This one:




and this one: