Sibelius Vpo Maazel - Sibelius Symphonies No 4 7 Maazel Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra (6 tracks) +Album Reviews

Never heard better sound on a transfer to CD

Gulley Jimson | Bethesda, MD | 11/12/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The compilation is amazing: if I had to pick three pieces by Sibelius to put on a single album, it would be these three. I think the 4th and 7th symphonies are his most profound, and Tapiola his greatest tone poem.I disagree with the reviewer that said this was an incredibly dark CD. The 4th symphony does have two of the bleakest (and most beautiful) movements that Sibelius ever wrote, but the 7th is serene - Olympian, is how I remember someone describing it - and Tapiola is more violent than melancholy.I haven't heard enough recordings of this to make any comments about the conducting, but the sound quality is astonishing - the strings have a depth and fullness that one doesn't usually hear. Each group of instruments is distinct; nothing is muddied together. It perfectly suits the spare distant feel of the orchestration, where the space between the instruments is as important as the harmonies.A beautiful beautiful recording - worth it even if you already have every piece of music somewhere, and the ideal place to begin your Sibelius collection if you don't."

Possibly the most powerful Fourth in existence

Gulley Jimson | 01/24/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Maazel's Vienna Fourth Symphony is absolutely awesome. Phenomenal playing from the Vienna band combines with a top-notch recording. The icing on the cake is Maazel's taut, searing rendition. The Finale is especially devastating as it should be! The coupled Seventh and Tapiola are also excellent performances."

Sibelius a la Vienna...Before Bernstein

Moldyoldie | Motown, USA | 12/21/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Another gray, snowy, overcast day in Northern Michigan means it's time to break out the Sibelius. Former prodigy (guest conducted the NBC Symphony Orchestra at age 11 on radio) and wunderkind conductor Lorin Maazel has had his share of detractors over the years, but here from '66 and '68 are fine examples of what people who extolled early praise upon him were talking about. These are difficult works to pull off convincingly (it's "difficult" music to begin with), but from the rich and powerful double-bass downbeat commencing the morose Fourth Symphony, through the surprisingly fleet and agile performance of the single-movement Seventh Symphony, to an incredibly expressive reading of the often dour Tapiola, Maazel and the Vienna Philharmonic deliver! Here are performances for those who wish to initially explore the darker side of the Sibelian idiom (as opposed to the merely melancholic) without fear of lapsing into utter depression. The original recordings are remastered for clean impact with just a hint of digital steeliness; the Vienna strings and brass sound mostly magnificent!"

First class Sibelius

Jeffrey Lee | Asheville area, NC USA | 06/02/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I would describe the colors of the landscape of the Sibelius Fourth as dark gray, purple and dark blue, with the brooding and bleaker passages sometimes illuminated by shafts of silver. What contributes to making Maazel's picture of this work so aesthetically enjoyable is his ability to arrange those tonal elements in a way that projects an atmospheric presence which feels and sounds right. Here, the oft considered warm sound of the Vienna Philharmonic is appropriately cool, with the horns, at times, steely cold. This view of the Fourth stays in my memory long after it is heard....The Seventh begins on a mountain top with a view from the peak that seems to reflect on vast, outlying distances. There is a satisfying spiritual feeling, as if adversity has been overcome, but the sweeping vision takes precedence. Again, as he did with the Fourth, Maazel maintains his ability to keep the listener's imagination stirred. Dynamics, tonal shadings and vivid images are boldly displayed. Even in quieter passages, the feel of nature's presence is intense. How invigorating and alive ! Listen to the sense of epic grandeur the conductor elicits from the Vienna horns. Toward the end, strings from another part of the composer's world resonate compellingly. This Fourth and Seventh are among the most fascinating and satisfying versions ever recorded. In the same vein is the performance of the colorful, mysterious and wrenching Tapiola."

Perfect Performing, Conducting and Recording

Frank Lee | Hong Kong | 02/08/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It can be hardly believe that this is a 1968 record, the record quality is superior to many digital discs. Lorin Mazzel is a renowned Sibelius conductor and give a flawless interpretation with electrifying intensity. Vienna Phil done a great job here (actually VPO means a guarantee of excellent performing). Symphony 4, 7 and Tapiola is the representative work of Great Sibelius, and you will not have regret for grabbing this disc."

Search - Sibelius, Vpo, Maazel :: Sibelius: Symphonies No. 4 & 7 / Maazel, Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra

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