Jean Sibelius: Finlandia; Valse Triste; Tapiola; Der Schwan von Tuonela; The Swan of Tuonela

I don't care what people may think of HvK as a person, mostly because if you think anything of him as a person it is probably based on incomplete knowledge and a lack of understanding history. That aside, these recordings - a little short though the CD may be - are the finest recorded performances of these works on record, anywhere. I think what the conductor understands here is a fine balance between immediacy and the ability to hold the listener in suspense, and the ability to use the Berlin Philharmonic to create majesty without losing the sparkle and magic of the genius of Sibelius. I think the tempos are spot on, and the engineering on this set is classic DG. What the sound lacks in bite (what you might hear on the Decca/Solti collaborations) it makes up for in sweetness - like silk. What you end up here with are lyrical, musical readings of the pieces that are each and every one - an absolute gem.

Terrifc recordings of 4 Sibelius "Warhorses".This recording of "Tapiola" is NOT the same as the one (1960s) coupled with Sibelius Symphonies 4-7 (DG Originals), but a newer DDD recording. IN either case, Karajan was a master in this music, and it shows.If some parts of "Finlandia" seem a bit ponderous for my tastes, I can overlook that in light of the excellent Berlin Philharmonic sound and playing, and Karajan's interpretations.Terrific.

I bought this recording just for the rendition of Valse Triste. I was not disappointed. It is beautiful! Thank you!

The Berlin Philli never disappoints their interpretation of these popular works made our listening a real treat.Also a good mix of works. Sebelius's works are very descriptive and emotional.

I enjoy Sibelius’s music, especially Finlandia, which is played superbly in this recording. I listen to it and the other pieces in this recording often.

These recording s of these songs are my favorites of Karajans and my be the best I have ever heard...peroid. I feel the older Karajan EMI recordings are not as good.

Deutsche Gramophone is a great label with quality in every aspect. This is a great cd. Herbert von Karajan and The Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra sound in their element on this disc."Finlandia" is bright and energetic. The brass and strings work to clutch the listener with an anxious almost nationalistic grip.In "The Swan of Tuonela" the strings are flowing and compelling with the sustain Sibelius ascribed, meanwhile, the oboe creates a character with whom listeners feel for and care about. I love the way the last minute of the work fades and flickers away like life itself."Valse Triste" is light, gratifying, and congenial.Good day friends !

Karajan's Sixties Sibelius is un-matched as is this Eighties recording. Make sure to get the West German pressing of this Deutsche Grammophon cd for even better sound! Enjoy!

Excellent.

Fin 39-début 40, les finlandais cornaqués par les allemands (nazis à l'époque) repoussent les hordes communistes en Karélie pendant La Guerre D'Hiver. Les finlandais remettront anecdotiquement le couvert pendant l'Opération Barbarossa en 1941...Jean Sibelius sera à un moment honoré par le régime hitlérien, puis prendra ses distances.Pour célébrer ces grandes pages de l'Histoire, Herbert Von Karajan enregistrera quarante ans plus tard avec le Philarmonique de Berlin chez Deutsche Grammophon ces oeuvres magnifiques et émouvantes de Jean Sibelius.L'interprétation un peu froide et tendue est néanmoins de grande qualité. La pâte sonore du Berliner Philarmoniker est très reconnaissable.

Molto bello !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ce CD permet de retrouver les mêmes morceaux que le disque vinyle ce qui facilite la réécoute des œuvres de Sibelius.

Très bon cd. L'orchestre, le chef d'orchestre, tout est fantastique. Je le recommande à tous ceux qui aiment la musique classique et Sibelius en particulier.