Favourite Sibelius cycle

[MrGongGong]

So we are after some recommendations for a complete set of Sibelius symphonies
we probably have most of them in various versions
but a complete cycle in all their moomin glory would be perfect

I thought there was a Salonen set (which would be my first choice) but alas not

so over to you CD anoraks

[pastoralguy]

As a 'safe' bet, there's the Ashkenazy set with the Philharmonia on superb form. I have a soft spot for the Gibson/SNO set on Chandos and the Vanska set on BIS is very good indeed with terrific dynamic range.

The new new set from Storgards and the BBC Phil is very good too despite a slightly disappointing first movt. Of the 5th Symphony.

Karajan is peerless in this music despite not having recorded the third symphony. Sir Simon and the Berlin Phil. are playing them next next year which makes me wonder if microphones will be dangling at some point...

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

I have VPO/Maazel, which I think as as good as it gets, and Halle/Barbirolli, which is superb in parts, but a little heavy going in others. The Bernstein recordings seem to have much going for them also; ditto Colin Davis

[Petrushka]

Spoilt for choice in this repertoire.

There are fine sets from Sir Colin Davis, Lorin Maazel (VPO) Barbirolli, Berglund, Ashkenazy and Rattle all of which can be had as cheap as chips.

I greatly like the LSO/Colin Davis set he recorded for RCA and wouldn't want to be without that or Berglund and the Helsinki Philharmonic. There are so many fine sets to choose from and none are likely to disappoint.

[Bryn]

I have VPO/Maazel, which I think as as good as it gets, and Halle/Barbirolli, which is superb in parts, but a little heavy going in others. The Bernstein recordings seem to have much going for them also; ditto Colin Davis

Would not differ re. any of those, but would definitely as Kurt Sanderling to the list.

[Pianoman]

Yep, have to agree with most of the above, Maazel in particular stands up amazingly well and imo Ashkenazy is unbeatable in value for money digital sets.

[Nick Armstrong]

I'd still go for the BIS Vanska/Lahti set as an all-round first choice.

Apart from the quality of the performances and sound in general, it has the (for me) inestimable additional advantages of the best version of No 5 I've ever heard, plus a performance of the original version of No 5 which is fascinating.

http://www.prestoclassical.co.uk/r/BIS/BISCD1286%252F1288

[Pabmusic]

Ashkenazy and Vanska are my favourites by far, though Maazel and the Colin Davis Boston set are very good. I still play the Anthony Collins - but that's mono of course.

[Beef Oven!]

Someone's hacked GG's account!!!

[AmpH]

The Lahti / Vanska recordings on BIS are a superb well recorded cycle, but for Sibelius with a bit more edge and rasp, the MRSO / Rozhdestvensky set on Melodiya is terrific and the set I most often listen to now.

[Beef Oven!]

£6.99 for all the symphonies and loads of other things including the violin concerto. MP3 download - Vanska -

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B004Z4O440/ref=wms_ohs_product?ie=UTF8&psc=1

But one should not overlook the two cycles by Segerstam. The Helsinki cycle, I think is tops, although the much broader tempi on the Danish Radio Symphony cycle makes this set very entertaining.

But then you can't go wrong with the analogue (?) Ashkenazy first cycle on Decca.

Best wait for EdgeleyRob to give his view, he's a Sibelius aficionado, I believe.

[Nick Armstrong]

£6.99 for all the symphonies and loads of other things including the violin concerto. MP3 download - Vanska -
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

That's just bloody silly value !!!

[Beef Oven!]

That's just bloody silly value !!!

It was £5.99 when I bought it on 23rd December 2012

[kea]

I quite rarely listen to Sibelius and, as a child of the CD generation, do so out of a complete set (in this case two cheap Philips doubles from a thrift store, featuring Colin Davis & the Boston Symphony). Along with a digital download of some of the tone poems from the BIS(?) series that's actually the only Sibelius I own.

Obviously I can talk about the merits of the music, but don't have much to say about the recording other than "no complaints". Presumably it's shaped my conception of the music too much for that. I'd appreciate some detailed commentary from the Sibelius aficionados here about their favourite versions of each symphony and why, even if I don't at present plan to buy any more Sibelius recordings >.>

[Stanfordian]

A Sibelius 'nut' gave me a tip for the set by Sakari Oramo and City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra on Erato and it has become my first choice. I also admire the Vanska/Lahti on BIS.