Sibelius: Symphonies No. 3 & 7

If you love Sibelius, you cannot go wrong with this disc - I cannot stop playing it. The LSO under Colin Davis play with such white hot conviction that I hardly leave the edge of my seat. I have many interpretations of these works in my collection - Rattle, Blomstedt, Burglund and earlier Davis recordings, but none match either of these performances. Live music making of the very best, thankfully caught on disc for everyone to enjoy. The occasional small grunt and groan from Sir Colin on the podium only seems to add to the sense of occasion.

Excuse me, I must go and play it again

Sir Colin Davis and the LSO have consistently impressed me with their LSO Live series of the Sibelius symphonies. There is something especially Scandinavian about the way Davis looks at these symphonies. I can almost see the dark, overcast forests of Sibelius' Finland. Davis does more than just create a Finnish atmosphere, however, which is what separates it from what I heard of his RCA set, also with the LSO. He seems to constantly be involved, and his love for the music is evident. While Davis' approach may not be everyone's taste, he has arrived at a unique way of performing these symphonies that is undeniably unique and full of personality.

Starting things off on this disc we hear the Sibelius 3rd. A work that some conductors have seemed afraid to perform, it is wonderfully cheerful for Sibelius. (Karajan, as much of a Sibelius fan as he was, never included this in his sets of the symphonies.) Reviewers have complained that Davis seems to try to make this piece more sober than is necessary. This isn't a crazy complaint, as you could add more fun and "let loose" more than Davis did without losing the magic of the piece. Still, I found myself sympathetic with Davis; the beauty of the orchestral sound combined with the excitement Davis infuses into the work sends me into raves. The soberness Davis never lets leave doesn't seem to hinder the enjoyment of the piece. Davis lets his orchestra dig into the music, he just always makes sure that the end result will leave you thinking, not just excited. For me, this symphony can handle this kind of approach. I'll leave the final decision up to you.

I'll agree with John Grabowski (on the US Amazon)that the 7th symphony is almost too good to be played. Davis certainly doesn't bring this piece to its full potential. But, having said that, I'll have to say that Davis does an awfully good job. Some of the moments are brought forth so wonderfully that it is almost unreal. What's not to be questioned is the fact the Davis keeps the musical line following very persuasively, building the symphony up to its glorious conclusion without seeming either rushed or dragging. I guess what makes this performance so successful in my mind is the poignant sadness that Davis is able to pull out of the work without ever resorting to hysteria. The sheer desolation one feels after listening is indescribably touching.

I'll call this recording a success. It's certainly proved immensely satisfying to me. I would recommend the disc to anyone who wants the same experience.

I was at the Barbican performance of the third captured on this disc. At the time I was blown away, never had I heard Sibelius sound so good, and finally an interpretation of the 3rd where the last movement was made to fit. Memories of the concert include the plaintiff clarinet calls in the 2nd movement, the delicacy, the detail which suddenly sprang out of the texture and the vitality of the LSO. So a transfixing account of this tricky work, for my money the best on record. The 7th lacks a little in intensity, the grinding disonances and passionate ardour that Beecham for example brought to the work.

The sound is good Barbican, quite detailed, a touch dry. The LSO earn their righful place as a world class orchestra in partnership with one of the greatest interpreters of Sibelius.