BaL 21.09.13 - Sibelius Symphony no. 3 in C

[Roehre]

I learnt the work from the DG Kamu recording on LP, and haven't bought that many CD alternatives (just Collins and Barbirolli in complete sets plus Elder on BBC MM).

Would still put in a plug for Mr Kamu

As I would, as I listened the first time to 3 in his interpretation.
Kamu's Sibelius 1,2 and 3 were added to Karajan's 4-7 in DG's 1973 "The World of the Symphony"-Sibelius 5LP-set.
Received to critical acclaim (I learned later).
["The World of the Symphony"- was a series of 12 multiple LP-sets to celebrate DG's 75th anniversary, with the 12 London symphonies by Haydn [jochum] and further the complete symphonies of Mozart's [Böhm], Beethoven's [Böhm], Schubert's[Böhm], Schumann's [Karajan], Mendelssohn's [Karajan], Brahms' [Abado with 4 different orchestras], Dvorak's [Kubelik], Tchaikovsky's [Tilson thomas, Abbado, Atzmon and Mravinsky], Bruckner's[Jochum], Mahler's [Kubelik]and Sibelius' [Kamu and Karajan].

[BBMmk2]

I forgot I have Barbirolli's too!

[Alain Maréchal]

It is indeed surprising that HvK recorded ae.ll the Sibelius symphonies other than this one.

Same with Ormandy, who wrote that it was the one Sibelius symphony he failed to understand at all. I have never really understood that remark - it has always sounded straightforward to me. Any views on it? I notice with some surprise that neither of Saraste's recordings is listed as available; I prefer his earlier RCA studio recording to the much-vaunted live later one.

[Parry1912]

I clicked with Sibelius at age 3 after my late, great, Uncle Bob used to play me the Karelia Suite on 45rpm.

Even though it was on a 78!

[Barbirollians]

Even though it was on a 78!

Did you hear it on an Edison cylinder ?

[pastoralguy]

Even though it was on a 78!

No. It really was a 45rpm 'Extended play' disc on Decca. The first and third movements were on the 'A' side and the 'B' side had the second. Thomas Jensen conducting the Danish Radio Symphony Orchestra.

[jayne lee wilson]

As I reflected in the spring, No.3 can seem almost too effortless can't it? After two Romantic Epics, followed by tragedy, struggle and triumph in 4 & 5, then the serene yet shadowed ambiguities of 6, the Apollonian, otherworldly 7th...

An example of the art that conceals art, it's quite a sunny, uncomplicated work really. "Something that sings and dances, rejoices in its very existence"...

The very brevity and classical poise needs firm projection, to be really driven home rhythmically and sonorously at the close.
Rattle and Sanderling do this very well, or Davis in Boston. The most idiosyncratic I've heard is Rozhdestvensky/Moscow RSO, much quicker through the andante, then under-emphasising the playful wildness of the scherzo to broaden out into a grandly Romantic finale - legato largamente, with those Russian trumpets shining out from the last emphatic chords.

If you haven't yet got the Rattle/CBSO one (one of his very finest recordings) go for the original EMI Angel issue (c/w a truly great 7th) for the best SQ. Audiophile treat.

[BBMmk2]

As I reflected in the spring, No.3 can seem almost too effortless can't it? After two Romantic Epics, followed by tragedy, struggle and triumph in 4 & 5, then the serene yet shadowed ambiguities of 6, the Apollonian, otherworldly 7th...

An example of the art that conceals art, it's quite a sunny, uncomplicated work really. "Something that sings and dances, rejoices in its very existence"...

The very brevity and classical poise needs firm projection, to be really driven home rhythmically and sonorously at the close.
Rattle and Sanderling do this very well, or Davis in Boston. The most idiosyncratic I've heard is Rozhdestvensky/Mosocow RSO, much quicker through the andante, then under-emphasising the playful wildness of the scherzo to broaden out into a grandly Romantic finale - legato largamente, with those Russian trumpets shining out from the last emphatic chords.

If you haven't yet got the Rattle/CBSO one (one of his very finest recordings) go for the original EMI Angel issue (c/w a truly great 7th) for the best SQ. Audiophile treat.

As usdual JLW, your posts are totally absorbing. I might just...............

[verismissimo]

For me, Gibson and the SNO's early recording for HMV. Very good indeed...

I learned this symphony from that fine orchestra and conductor, but my LP copy is on Saga, pasty.

No mention yet of early Kajanus or recent Vanska...

[AjAjAjH]

Great thread and the programme hasn't been broadcast yet.

For me Gibson's Chandos Recording. Elder's Halle or Davis' LSO live.

I heard Davis perform No.3 with a full National Youth Orchestra. Not too pleasant to listen to. It didn't sound right with the stage packed weth so many players.

The Elgar 2 that followed was a different matter: ok:

[pastoralguy]

I learned this symphony from that fine orchestra and conductor, but my LP copy is on Saga, pasty.

No mention yet of early Kajanus or recent Vanska...

Of course it was on Saga! Mental blip there.

I think it was recorded by EMI. Not sure why they didn't release it.

[BBMmk2]

I do rather like the way how Sir Colin conducted. I might just acquire these sometime!

[verismissimo]

Again shows the list of recordings of a Sibelius symphony that his work is mainly appreciated by Scandinavian orchestras or those from English speaking countries, with ditto conductors.
Only the Slovak PO, Moscow Radio SO, VPO, Vladimir Ashkenazy, Mariss Jansons, Gennady Rozhdestvensky and Thomas Zehetmair are the exceptions confirming the rule.
Just as with British composers Sibelius is not internationally as recognized as we on these isles think he is/should be.

BTW, for me it's VPO/Maazel ( - and the VPO features here because of Maazel's contract with Decca, dating back to the 1960s)

Interesting list, Roehre. I think one could add Abravanel, who only reached America aged 33. And in other symphonies Mravinsky, Monteux, Van Beinum, Szell and others.

[verismissimo]

I learned this symphony from that fine orchestra and conductor, but my LP copy is on Saga, pasty.

No mention yet of early Kajanus or recent Vanska...

Listening again... much prefer Gibson to Vanska...

[BBMmk2]

Really Verissimo? That's interesting. What's the reason?