Jean Sibelius
The Complete Symphonies
Violin Concerto · Finlandia
Pekka Kuusisto, violin
Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra
Leif Segerstam, conductor
Track listing
27 tracks · 270:25Listen to samples on selected tracks.
CD 1
Jean Sibelius
- Symphony No. 1 in E Minor, Op. 39 38:14
- 1 I. Andante, ma non troppo - Allegro energico 11:13
- 2 II. Andante (ma non troppo lento) 9:22
- 3 III. Scherzo. Allegro 5:17
- 4 IV. Finale (Quasi una Fantasia). Andante - Allegro molto 12:21
- 5 Symphony No. 7 in C Major. Op. 105 21:04
- 6 Finlandia, Op. 26/7 (1899) 8:53
CD 2
Jean Sibelius
- Symphony No. 2 in D Major, Op. 43 45:45
- 1 I. Allegretto 10:39
- 2 II. Tempo andante, ma rubato 15:03
- 3 III. Vivacissimo 6:23
- 4 IV. Finale. Allegro moderato 14:13
- Symphony No. 6 in D Minor, Op. 104 30:12
- 5 I. Allegro molto moderato 9:27
- 6 II. Allegretto moderato 6:08
- 7 III. Poco vivace 3:57
- 8 IV. Allegro molto 10:39
CD 3
Jean Sibelius
- Symphony No. 3 in C Major, Op. 52 29:57
- 1 I. Allegro moderato 10:39
- 2 II. Andantino con moto, quasi allegretto 10:15
- 3 III. Moderato - Allegro (ma non tanto) 9:03
- Symphony No. 5 in E Flat Major, Op. 82 33:49
- 4 I. Tempo molto moderato - Allegro moderato (ma poco a poco stretto) 14:33
- 5 II. Andante mosso, quasi allegretto 9:25
- 6 III. Allegro molto 9:51
CD 4
Jean Sibelius
- Symphony No. 4 in A Minor, Op. 63 37:50
- 1 I. Tempo molto moderato, quasi adagio 11:!3
- 2 II. Allegro molto vivace 4:54
- 3 III. Il tempo largo 11:25
- 4 IV. Allegro 10:17
- Violin Concerto in D Minor, Op. 47 33:33
- 5 I. Allegro moderato 18:27
- 6 II. Adagio di molto 9:12
- 7 III. Allegro, ma non tanto 7:45
About this recording
This 4-CD box contains reference recordings of the complete Sibelius symphonies, coupled with the hugely popular Vioin Concerto and the famous orchestral piece Finlandia. The Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, which played Sibelius's music under the composer's baton, and chief conductor Leif Segerstam have unrivaled credentials in the performance of Sibelius's music.
Starring in the concerto is young violinist Pekka Kuusisto ("may be the best thing to happen to classical music" - The Guardian, 16 January 2007), who recorded the famous work shortly after winning the Sibelius competition in 1995. This recording, originally relesead on Pekka Kuusisto's acclaimed first disc on Ondine, won The Music Industries Association's 'Annual Award for Excellence' in 1996 and became an international bestseller (ODE 878-2).
Features
Boxed set of 4 CDs; booklet with extensive liner notes in English, German, French and Finnish
Press
This is a major Sibelius event in superbly clear, rich recorded sound. (...) It's as fine a Sibelius cycle as any available. (...) These are wonderful interpretations.
David Hurwitz, ClassicsToday.com, December 2006
The artists
Pekka Kuusisto
Finnish violinist Pekka Kuusisto is one of the most versatile and distinctive musicians working today. Always demonstrating his extraordinary individuality and imagination, he is unusually free and fluid in his approach and has been acclaimed for the spontaneity and freshness in his playing. Setting Pekka Kuusisto apart from most other violinists of his generation is his desire and ability to improvise, and his love of playing many different styles of music, channeling the same intensity into each genre.
Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra
The Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, the first professional symphony orchestra to be founded in the Nordic countries (1882), has grown from a band of 36 players to an orchestra of 102 regular members.
Leif Segerstam
Leif Segerstam (1944-2024) received diplomas from the Sibelius Academy in violin and conducting. He won the Maj Lind Piano Competition in 1962 and gave his first violin recital in 1963. He rounded off his studies at the Juilliard School in New York, where he was awarded a conducting diploma in 1964.