Sibelius: Symphonies Nos. 6 & 7 / Finlandia

"I'd say that given Pietari Inkinen's approach to these seven symphonies, it is little surprise that this disc came off the best. He is very cool-headed, a touch on the slow side, and rather analytical without being rhythmically snappy. I'm glad for Inkinen and New Zealand: they at last seem to have returned to the consistent quality that marked their Scènes historiques, Night Ride and Sunrise, and Valse triste. This disc is, uniquely in the symphony series, an unqualified keeper, and let's hope the tone poems are too." (MusicWeb Bargain of the Month Dec 2011)

"the young Finn not only draws a fine technical finish from his New Zealanders, but also inculcates an authentic Sibelian style, well-moulded and majestic in the tradition of the great mid-20th century interpreters...Inkinen favours gentle speeds but never loses sight of the music's underlying pulse" Financial Times, 3rd September 2011 ****

With this fourth volume, Finnish conductor Pietari Inkinen completes his cycle of Sibelius's numbered symphonies, of which the Symphonies Nos. 1 and 3 (8572305) were acclaimed as 'warm and poignant' (Classical Music Sentinel), Symphonies Nos. 4 and 5 (8572227) as having 'raw intensity' (Guardian) and Symphony No. 2 (8572704) as 'entrancing … highly recommended' (Allmusic.com). The tranquil and sunny poetry of Symphony No. 6 joins the majestic single-movement Symphony No. 7, coupled with Finlandia, the work which established Sibelius's fame and became a symbol of Finnish freedom.