Review by Luukas September 15, 2014 (2 of 5 found this review helpful)
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This is beautifully recorded and performed album of Jean Sibelius' (1865-1957) most famous orchestral works. This is also part of Royal Philharmonic Collection, which is recorded in 1990s. Fifth Symphony Op. 82 sounds movingly here: Ole Schmidt's performance isn't never boring, and he brings this symphony to life. Second movement is very beautiful, and third movement is thrilling. It is shame that recording quality isn't very good, specially in stereo. Multi-channel sound is better, and C.T.S. Studios acoustic surrounds the listener. It is very difficult to find multi-channel SACD of En Saga. Sir Colin Davis' recording with London Symphony Orchestra (PentaTone) is re-released 4.0 multi-channel sound. This is mixed 5.1 multi-channel sound, and it is much better. Bass drum's tremolos and strikes are very effectively - watch out your subwoofer! - and tone poem's famous main theme is powerful and vivid. Other pieces - Valse Triste and The Swan of Tuonela - are pretty good, but there are many better recordings of these works. English Horn's lonely solo [in the "The Swan of Tuonela"] is quiet and weak. So, buy this if you want exciting version of Sibelius' Fifth Symphony. I recommend this, but very carefully.
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