Thomas Sondergard "Sibelius: Symphonies 2 & 7" SACD

Thomas Sondergard "Sibelius: Symphonies 2 & 7" SACD

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Thomas Søndergård's opening concert with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, at which Sibelius was the highlight, was hailed a triumph by audiences and press alike and marked a new era for the orchestra.

4 stars '...it is an auspicious start...The BBC NOW responds keenly to the way that Søndergård subtly controls aspects of tempo, instrumental balance and the shifting of mood to create a genuine sense of the music's organically conceived nature.' The Telegraph

'I can only welcome, with fast-beating heart, one of the great new Sibelian teams into the record business...Sondergard's Sibelius Two is breathtaking...Their flawless performance of the Seventh Symphony, if you love this music, will break your heart.' The Herald 

'...inspiring, but also fluid and remarkably condensed...cogent, clear-textured performances.' The Sunday Telegraph 

Building on this triumphant debut the 2013 BBC Proms saw Søndergård and a reinvigorated BBC NOW win over the critics with their charismatic performance and formidable interpretations of 20th century repertoire. Stating his intentions the new Principal Conductor was clear: ‘I can’t wait to discover Sibelius all over again with my new orchestra’.

With their nationalist themes Symphonies 2 & 7 are perfect repertoire for Søndergård and his orchestra to make their symphonic recording debut. The Second Symphony marked a major step in Sibelius’ development as a composer, and remains one of his most popular works.

Symphony No. 7 is notable for being a one-movement symphony and is completely original in form, subtle in its handling of tempi, individual in its treatment of key and wholly organic in growth and is considered Sibelius’ most remarkable compositional achievement.

Tracklisting

  1. Symphony No. 2 in D Major, Op. 43: I. Allegretto
  2. Symphony No. 2 in D Major, Op. 43: II. Tempo andante, ma rubato
  3. Symphony No. 2 in D Major, Op. 43: III. Vivacissimo
  4. Symphony No. 2 in D Major, Op. 43: IV. Finale. Allegro moderato
  5. Symphony No. 7 in C Major, Op. 105