Thomas Sondergard - Sibelius: Finlandia - CD Choice

Admirers of the composer Sibelius have been well served over the years with multiple recordings of the symphonies and tone poems. In fact, the pieces on this disc have enjoyed a dazzling multiplicity of readings – many very distinguished, so something special is required to render any new entries competitive. That special quality is something that Thomas Søndergård and his forces have brought to the table with this very welcome issue. These are performances of immense sensitivity and (where required) dramatic forcefulness – The Oceanides in particular is given one of the most striking readings it has enjoyed in recent years. The sound quality is exemplary.