Sibelius: Symphonies / Blomstedt, San Francisco Symphony CD

 One of the great Sibelius symphony cycles
As almost any Sibelius symphony cycle, this one has its lows and highs. On the low side, the orchestra sound is often more like Beethoven's than Sibelius': great drive and impact, but not so great transparency. On the high side, these are rock-solid performances, sticking to most conventional, golden standards of Sibelius interpretation. It is not to say that there is no experimenting. The last movements of the 4th and 5th are quite original and interesting. The real gem of this set is the 3rd. It is absolutely divine from beginning to end. All that has to be there is there. Sibelius trademark clarity, detail, synthetic sonorities and savoring of instruments' sound. Forceful yet sublime. The towering fugue at the finale is shock and awe. This record is an example of rare, maybe once-in-a-lifetime spontaneous synergy between conductor and orchestra. For those who like the 3rd, it would be enlightening to compare this performance to Davis/Boston and Rozhdestvensky, my two other favorites. Decca sound engineering is superb. Sound is very forward, as if listener is right in front of the orchestra. Sound appears to have little mixing or manipulation. Overal, it is great buy, regardless whether you are a Sibelius novice or experienced afficionado.
Submitted by agrishin (Los Angeles, CA, USA) 
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 Fine Quality/Low cost
I have been wanting to get the complete Sibelius Symphonies for years. The sale price of this version was irresistible. I was prepared to be slightly disappointed in some way, but the sound is great, the interpretation gripping, the set itself is visually attractive. Thanks CD Universe for making this available!
Submitted by jearls (Collegeville, MN, USA) 
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 Five Star Sibelius Symphonies
I have been a fan of Blomstedt for some time, and I think his approach to works is generally about perfect. Sibelius' Symphonies fare well under his baton and I believe these to be the equal, and in many ways the better, of those of Colin Davis. The Symphony #1 is particularly attractive and played with brisk and seemingly excellent tempos. Anyone wanting for a complete set of the Sibelius Symphonies can do no better. Excellent sonics added to the excellent conducting and playing of the SFSO. Be good to yourself and invest in this set.
Submitted by Poppynogood (Iowa City, IA) 
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 Superlative
This series is downright incredible. San Francisco's playing is at its peak, demonstrating this orchestra at a time when it was arguably the best in the world, and particularly for Grieg, Sibelius, Mahler, Hindemith, and similar composers. Decca only released 2 through 6 in the US, and even then in limited quantities, making this series one of the most difficult to get as well--surprising given its quality. The recording of 1 and 7 in this set were never released in the US, very limited release in Europe. For a while it was not unusual to see USED copies of 1/7 come up on eBay and eventually selling after dozens of bids for over $250! 1 and 7, for under $25, plus 2 through 6 thrown in, and some tone poems--what a deal!
Submitted by Dougl (Washington, DC)
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