BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Thomas Sondergard - Jean Sibelius: Symphonies 2 & 7 (2015)

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BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Thomas Sondergard - Jean Sibelius: Symphonies 2 & 7 (2015)

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Thomas Søndergård's hybrid SACD of Jean Sibelius' Symphony No. 2 in D major and his Symphony No. 7 in C major is an audiophile showcase that presents two contrasting sides of the composer with optimal clarity. The comparatively lush orchestration of the Symphony No. 2 probably has never sounded better in any recorded format, and the multichannel reproduction of the BBC National Orchestra of Wales brings out its vibrant bass, velvety strings, and sumptuous winds in a resonant acoustic, all of which are essential ingredients in the young Sibelius' post-Romantic sound. Yet the Symphony No. 7 presents the sparer counterpoint and leaner textures of Sibelius' mature phase, so the recording brings out the transparency of the timbres, and the clean separation of parts gives an added spatial dimension. Søndergård's interpretations of both works are wholly sympathetic and masterful, and the orchestra plays with the commitment and vitality that make these symphonies compelling. One hopes this is the first installment of a Sibelius cycle, which would be a great addition to Linn's catalog. Highly recommended.

Review by Blair Sanderson, Allmusic.com

Denmark’s Thomas Søndergård took up the post of principal conductor of the BBC National Orchestra of Wales in the 2012-13 season. On the basis of their impressive debut album, the omens for this partnership are good. Symphony No 2 has a haunting inner strength, especially in the andante, with Søndergård keeping a tight rein on emotions until the expansive last movement. The elusive, one-movement Symphony No 7 – Sibelius’s last – is similarly intense and rigorous. Woodwind and brass mix rawness with grandeur. Strings are supple, ensemble good. Søndergård’s handsome image appears six times on the CD cover or in the liner notes, with none of Sibelius. If the BBCNOW are keen to promote their newish conductor, this album is a great calling card.

Review by Fiona Maddocks, The Guardian

These performances of the Second and Seventh Symphonies are impressive–particularly the case with the Second. Despite the work’s popularity, or maybe because of it, no other Sibelius symphony has received so many disappointing recordings, some by very major conductors (think: Karajan, for example). Søndergård gets it right. The first movement moves swiftly and purposefully. Usually it’s taken too slowly, its pastoral freshness compromised. Not here. The second movement’s turbulent climaxes have plenty of the necessary ferocity, and the scherzo is simply stunning at the swiftest possible tempo. The BBC National Orchestra of Wales strings really do themselves proud. Søndergård paces the finale perfectly, and only a certain timidity in the trumpets prevents its heroic opening theme from projecting with sufficient brilliance. Otherwise, this is certainly one of the better recent versions.

As for the Seventh, there are no issues at all. At just twenty minutes, again, Søndergård reveals his understanding of the idiom and mastery of large scale architecture. The transitions, from the opening adagio to the initial allegro and back again, and then on to that sunny pastoral interlude, all proceed with the inevitability of fate itself. The orchestra’s woodwinds and solo trombone do some particularly excellent work throughout the symphony, and the closing pages have that warm glow of fulfillment that seems completely unique to the work. Again it’s a question of timing, particularly those final “amen” chords. Sonically the engineering is warm and well balanced, but the soft timpani and brass have a tendency to vanish into the texture and lose presence. Still, if this is the first disc in a planned cycle, it looks like it’s going to be a very good one.

Review by David Hurwitz, ClassicsToday.com

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BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Thomas Sondergard - Jean Sibelius: Symphonies 2 & 7 (2015)

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BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Thomas Sondergard - Jean Sibelius: Symphonies 2 & 7 (2015)

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BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Thomas Sondergard - Jean Sibelius: Symphonies 2 & 7 (2015)

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