Kullervo

Hybrid/SACD - Playable on all compact disc players
A high density DSD (Direct Stream Digital) recording
Includes multi-channel 5.0 mix

"If any performance is needed to convince anyone of the early mastery of Sibelius, it is this one … this is a great performance. I have no doubt that the LSO at present is the greatest orchestra in the world"
International Record Review

BBC Music Magazine Choral & Song Choice - March 2006

'simply thrilling, a performance that goes straight to the top of recommended recordings. The men of the LSO Chorus are outstanding, as are the two soloists, Peter Mattei and Monica Groop. In short, this is a great performance by any standard, and it's also extremely well recorded … As for the work itself, each hearing only makes Sibelius' ban on performances during his lifetime ever more incomprehensible. When treated with such compelling force and urgency, it's impossible to deny Kullervo its rightful place as a major, even great piece. Fantastic!'
Artistic Quality 10, Sound Quality 10
ClassicsToday.com (US), 3 January 2006

Although he withdraw it a year after its successful premiere, Sibelius's early Kullervo symphony is laced with the atmosphere and creativeness that would characterise his later works, coupled with a tragic tale from Finnish folklore.

Kullervo recounts the story of its eponymous hero. After alonely childhood, Kullervo grows up to become a determined warrior. He seduces a girl only to discover she is his long-lost sister and in remorse throws himself on his sword. Despitethe tragedy, the work evokes the beauty of the Finnish countryside is an orchestral tour-de-force, offering stunning cameos for its soloists and chorus.