Immerse yourself in the profound and evocative world of Jean Sibelius with the upcoming release "Karajan A-Z: Sibelius - Smetana" on Deutsche Grammophon. This meticulously curated collection showcases the masterful orchestral works of Sibelius, a composer renowned for his deep connection to nature and Finnish heritage. The album spans over five hours and fifty-one minutes, offering a comprehensive journey through Sibelius's symphonies, tone poems, and concertos, each piece a testament to his unique musical language and emotional depth.
The album opens with Sibelius's symphonies, from the introspective Symphony No. 4 in A Minor to the triumphant Symphony No. 7 in C Major, demonstrating the composer's evolution and innovation. It also includes his famous tone poems like "Finlandia," "Valse triste," and "The Swan of Tuonela," as well as the Violin Concerto in D Minor, showcasing the full range of his orchestral prowess. Additionally, the album features works by Bedřich Smetana, including selections from "Má vlast" and "The Bartered Bride," adding a layer of Slavic folk influence and nationalistic spirit.
Recorded at various points between 1940 and 1984, the pieces are performed by some of the most prestigious orchestras and conductors, with a notable emphasis on the collaborations with Herbert von Karajan. The album is a treasure trove for both longtime admirers of Sibelius and those new to his music, offering a rich and rewarding exploration of his enduring legacy.
Symphony No. 4 in A Minor, Op. 63: I. Tempo molto moderato, quasi adagioJean Sibelius, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Symphony No. 4 in A Minor, Op. 63: II. Allegro molto vivaceJean Sibelius, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Symphony No. 4 in A Minor, Op. 63: III. Il tempo largoJean Sibelius, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Symphony No. 4 in A Minor, Op. 63: IV. AllegroJean Sibelius, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Symphony No. 5 in E-Flat Major, Op. 82: Ia. Tempo molto moderato – Largamente –Jean Sibelius, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Symphony No. 5 in E-Flat Major, Op. 82: Ib. Allegro moderato – PrestoJean Sibelius, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Symphony No. 5 in E-Flat Major, Op. 82: II. Andante mosso, quasi allegrettoJean Sibelius, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Symphony No. 5 in E-Flat Major, Op. 82: III. Allegro molto – Misterioso – Un pochettino largamente – Largamente assaiJean Sibelius, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Symphony No. 6 in D Minor, Op. 104: I. Allegro molto moderatoJean Sibelius, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Symphony No. 6 in D Minor, Op. 104: II. Allegretto moderatoJean Sibelius, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Symphony No. 6 in D Minor, Op. 104: III. Poco vivaceJean Sibelius, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Symphony No. 6 in D Minor, Op. 104: IV. Allegro moltoJean Sibelius, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Symphony No. 7 in C Major, Op. 105: I. Adagio –Jean Sibelius, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Symphony No. 7 in C Major, Op. 105: II. Vivacissimo – Adagio –Jean Sibelius, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Symphony No. 7 in C Major, Op. 105: III. Allegro molto moderato – Allegro moderato –Jean Sibelius, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Symphony No. 7 in C Major, Op. 105: IV. Vivace – Presto – Adagio – Largamente molto – AffettuosoJean Sibelius, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Finlandia, Op. 26 - Recorded 1964Jean Sibelius, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Valse triste, Op. 44 No. 1 - Recorded 1967Jean Sibelius, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
The Swan of Tuonela, Op. 22 No. 2 - Recorded 1965Jean Sibelius, Gerhard Stempnik, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Tapiola, Op. 112 - Recorded 1964Jean Sibelius, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan