Description
Jean Sibelius – Symphony No. 2 · Finlandia · Valse triste · The Swan of Tuonela (Eloquence) CD
UPC: 0028946964729
MPN: 469 647-2
Brand Name: Eloquence / Deutsche Grammophon / Universal Music Group
Overview
This Eloquence reissue brings together some of the most powerful and atmospheric works of Jean Sibelius (1865–1957), including his monumental Symphony No. 2 in D major, the patriotic tone poem Finlandia, the haunting Valse triste, and the mystical Swan of Tuonela. Performed by the Berlin Philharmonic under the batons of Herbert von Karajan and Okko Kamu, these classic Polydor recordings from the 1960s remain reference interpretations that capture both grandeur and Nordic melancholy.
Product Features
- Format: CD (ADD, Stereo, Eloquence reissue)
- Total Timing: 70:45
- Label: Deutsche Grammophon / Eloquence
- Recording Years: 1965–1970 (Polydor International GmbH, Hamburg)
- Orchestra: Berlin Philharmonic
- Conductors: Herbert von Karajan · Okko Kamu
- Genre: Classical
- Style: Late Romantic / Nordic Symphonic
Interesting Facts
- Sibelius’ Symphony No. 2 is often called the “Symphony of Independence” and became a national symbol for Finland.
- The tone poem Finlandia was written during a period of Russian censorship, quickly gaining worldwide fame as a musical statement of freedom.
- Valse triste (Sad Waltz) originated as incidental music for the play Kuolema and became one of Sibelius’ most popular short works.
- The Swan of Tuonela is part of the Lemminkäinen Suite and features the English horn in one of the most haunting solos in orchestral music. Here it is played by Gerhard Stempnik, Berlin Philharmonic’s celebrated English hornist.
- These performances document two great Sibelius interpreters: Herbert von Karajan, who brought Nordic music into his grand symphonic repertoire, and Okko Kamu, one of Finland’s most important Sibelius specialists.
Track Listing
- Finlandia – 9:26 Symphony No. 2 in D major
- Allegretto – 9:35
- Tempo Andante, ma rubato – 15:41
- Vivacissimo – 6:33
- Finale: Allegro moderato – 15:23
- Valse triste – 6:14
- The Swan of Tuonela – 7:42
Credits
- Orchestra: Berlin Philharmonic
- Conductors: Herbert von Karajan (Finlandia, Valse triste, Swan of Tuonela) · Okko Kamu (Symphony No. 2)
- English Horn (The Swan of Tuonela): Gerhard Stempnik
- Original Label: Polydor International GmbH, Hamburg
- Design: -Netzwerk-, Brunnée Werbeagentur
- Cover Photo: PhotoDisc
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