Credits:

Dowland, J.

Description:

Nézet-Séguin takes on Sibelius! The texture is supple, the strokes are delicate and majestic, and the orchestra is pleasantly propulsive. Yannick Nézet-Séguin, who has been the artistic director and principal conductor of the Metropolitan Orchestra of Montreal since 2000, has recorded Sibelius symphonies. Nézet-Séguin, who has conducted world-famous orchestras such as the Metropolitan Opera in New York, the Philadelphia Orchestra, and the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, was born in Montreal. He has a deep connection with the Montreal Metropolitan Orchestra, as it is a local orchestra, and has released highly acclaimed recordings such as the complete Bruckner symphonies (ACD2-2451), so expectations are high for the Sibelius cycle as well. The performance is as wonderful as one would expect. The sound was just right for Sibelius, with a supple, transparent sound free of impurities. The performance is powerful and does not lose the sense of grandeur and scale that is unique to No. 1.While perfectly handling the intricate syncopated score down to the smallest detail, the orchestra takes a firm overview of the whole, elaborates the big music with long phrasing, and builds the world of Sibelius with a pleasant propulsive force. The conductor's complete control over every detail of the orchestra is astonishing. The woodwinds, which play an important role in the music, are also superbly textured, and from the clear high notes to the desolate low notes, vivid scenes seem to come to mind. The tempo changes in the last movement are natural and dramatic. The skillful development of the piece draws you in quickly. King International

Tracklisting:

1.Symphonie No. 1 en mi mineur, Op. 39~1. Andante, ma non troppo - Allegro energico
2.Symphonie No. 1 en mi mineur, Op. 39~2. Adante, ma non troppo lento
3.Symphonie No. 1 en mi mineur, Op. 39~3. Scherzo. Allegro
4.Symphonie No. 1 en mi mineur, Op. 39~4. Finale (quasi una fantasica). Andante - Allegro molto