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The very best Sibelius recordings in analog

Jean Sibelius, the great Finnish composer, wrote magnificent symphonies. We are celebrating Finland´s 100th Anniversary and Sibelius´ music as well.
Please tell your favorite analog recordings of his best work, I really would appreciate.
  
One of mine is the Lorin Maazel ´s 60´s symphonies on Decca label. 
Sibelius reputation rests chiefly on his great symphonies, seven spectacular creations, all with their particular points of grandeur and originality.

Originally released between 1963 and 1968 Maazel´ s Sibelius cycle met with critical acclaim. Particularly praised is Maazel´s interpretation of the Fourth Symphony in the Vienna Philharmonics only recording of the work.

harold-not-the-barrel
folkfreak's avatar
folkfreak
1,349 posts
 
Much as I also like the Maazel you really do need to check out Paavo Berglund and the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra on EMI. The original single disc issues are the best available although a little pricy as a set. The Greensleeve reissues are readily available and dirt cheap so give a good intro to the performances and recordings while you seek out the original Angels

of course I assume you already own the RCA Living Stereo Gibson Symph #5, Monteux #2 and the Heifetz Violin Concerto as these are old hi-fi chestnuts, but still very good! I rate the Classic records 45rpm issues as best 
northernfox
26 posts
 
My very favourite analogue Sibelius symphony recording is Symphony #2 by von Karajan conducting the Philharmonia Orchestra on EMI, recorded in 1960.

Of course, if you were to ask about digital recordings, there are many to consider as well--including the splendid complete Sibelius symphony cycle by Sir Colin Davis conducting the LSO on RCA, now available in an inexpensive  7 CD box set put out by Sony Music.
schubert
7,386 posts
 
Finest 2, I ever heard was1969 Halle O. under Barbirolli on Testament.
The 1954 complete Karajan/Berlin set on Columbia was best ever on vinyl but good-luck finding it .

As northernfox says the digital vinyl Davis RCA/LSO is best ever. Some would say his earlier Boston/Phillips was , to me it has little better sound .
Both are superb .






syntax's avatar
syntax
2,193 posts
 
Gibson with London SO, RCA Karelia Suite.
The depth of Expression here is unique, no other Performance comes close. Recording was made from Decca for RCA, analog at its prime.

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