Sibelius, The Symphonies Vol. 1: No. 6 and No. 7, Tapiola

This recording features Jean Sibelius’ final symphonic masterpieces, performed by the acclaimed English Symphony Orchestra under Kenneth Woods. Sibelius’ Symphony No. 6 offers serene and understated beauty, notable for its Dorian-mode tonality and ethereal textures. Symphony No. 7 pushes boundaries with its revolutionary single-movement form, seamlessly integrating contrasting sections into a continuous musical arc. Completing the disc, Tapiola, Sibelius’ evocative tone poem, conjures the ancient forests of the North with rich orchestral color and dramatic tension.

Praised for its clarity, insight, and emotional depth, this performance brings out the subtlety and modernity of Sibelius’ late works, making it an essential addition for lovers of the composer and symphonic repertoire alike.