Sibelius - Symphonies Nos. 4, 5, 6 & 7 - Karajan

Jan Sibelius (1865-1957)

Symphony No. 4 in A minor, Op. 63

Symphonic Poem, "Tapiola", Op. 112

Philharmonia Orchestra / Herbert von Karajan

(Angel-EMI, recorded July 1953)

Symphony No. 5 in E-flat major, Op. 82

Finlandia - Symphonic Poem, Op. 26

Philharmonia Orchestra / Herbert von Karajan

(Columbia, recorded December 1951 and July 1952)

Symphony No. 6 in D minor, Op. 104

Symphony No. 7 in C major, Op. 105

Philharmonia Orchestra / Herbert von Karajan

(Angel-EMI, recorded July 1955)

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The copy uploaded here of Karajan conducting the Sibelius 4th coupled with "Tapiola" is an LP which has been with me for a long time. When I found it in a second hand shop it was already a "throw-away old record" of the kind that no one wanted in the wake of stereo. But it was hugely impressive on first hearing, allowing me to hear Sibelius almost literally for the first time. In retrospect, what I find remarkable (or not so remarkable) is the fact that the Sibelius 4th - along with the 6th - still remains one of the least popular of the Sibelius symphonies. At the time I first heard the Karajan LP, however, I was not only unaware of the unpopularity of Nos. 4 and 6 - but the popularity of Nos. 2 and 5 as well (cut off from the "likes" and "dislikes" of the mainstream classical music world ... which can often be a distinct advantage).

Finally, I'm not surprised when I now read that Sibelius, writing in the 1950's, called Karajan "a master" and "the only one of the younger generation of conductors who truly understands my music"; and when I read that Sibelius scholar and biographer Erik Tawaststjerna inscribed the following dedication in the copy of his book which he presented to Karajan:

"To Herbert von Karajan.
The only conductor who understands the Fourth Symphony.
- Erik Tawaststjerna"

Of course, this doesn't mean that there haven't been other notable or even "great" or Sibelius conductors. It only means that Karajan rightfully earned, with his uncanny insight into the music of Sibelius, the highest praise of the composer.

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LP transfers of above material. Includes original
covers, labels and notes.