I love Sibelius, but was unfamiliar with this symphony. Thanks for presenting it. I've only had time to listen to the first movement so far, but I've been struck with it buoyant, optimistic tone and youthful high energy. Of course, Sibelius was one of the greatest orchestrators of all time, so the sharply varied dynamic ranges and contrasting tone colors he achieves are extraordinarily brilliant just by themselves. Surprising that it ends with a simple plagal cadence (AMEN to all you churchgoers ;-)
We don't hear enough Sibelius in the concert halls anymore. As far as I'm concerned his violin concerto is the greatest work for that instrument ever written.
If you've never heard it, Google it, and select Sara changes absolutely splendid performance or the old recording by Jascha Heifetz who was the supreme interpreter of the work until Sara Chang came along.
So much classical music to know and enjoy! One would need several lifetimes to become throughly acquainted with it all.
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We have the same taste in music. I'm really hooked on Classical. It soothes the soul.
ReplyDeleteI pray you're feeling much better now. Have a blessed day.
A pleasant uncomplicated symphony.
ReplyDeleteGood getaway from recent events.
Duck,
DeleteWhy I chose this particular piece!
I love Sibelius, but was unfamiliar with this symphony. Thanks for presenting it. I've only had time to listen to the first movement so far, but I've been struck with it buoyant, optimistic tone and youthful high energy. Of course, Sibelius was one of the greatest orchestrators of all time, so the sharply varied dynamic ranges and contrasting tone colors he achieves are extraordinarily brilliant just by themselves. Surprising that it ends with a simple plagal cadence (AMEN to all you churchgoers ;-)
ReplyDeleteWe don't hear enough Sibelius in the concert halls anymore. As far as I'm concerned his violin concerto is the greatest work for that instrument ever written.
If you've never heard it, Google it, and select Sara changes absolutely splendid performance or the old recording by Jascha Heifetz who was the supreme interpreter of the work until Sara Chang came along.
So much classical music to know and enjoy! One would need several lifetimes to become throughly acquainted with it all.
FT,
DeleteI so rarely hear Sibelius in the concerts I've been attending. A real pity!