Sibelius: Symphony No 7 / Tapiola

"Koussevitsky's pioneering (1933) recording of the Seventh Symphony with the then newly formed BBC Symphony Orchestra has rarely been challenged and never surpassed and, together with his Pohjola's Daughter and Tapoila from 1936 and 1939 respectively, is among the classics recorded music. One critic spoke of the Boston Symphony Orchestra under Koussevitsky as one of the great achievements of Western civilization and, listening to them in these splendid new transfers, this scarcely seems an exaggeration.

Neeme Järvi and the Gothenburg Orchestra bring great energy and concentration to the Seventh Symphony. The only disappointment is the final climax, which is perhaps less intense than the best versions. However, it is a fine performance, and the music to Kuolema is splendidly atmospheric; Night Ride is strongly characterized. The recording exhibits the usual characteristics of the Gothenburg Concert Hall and has plenty of body and presence.

Anyone who remembers Sir Adrian Boult's set of the Sibelius tone-poems on Pye Records from the 1950s or his broadcast form the 1940s and 1950s will have high expectations of his Seventh Symphony and will not be disappointed. It is finely shaped and superbly paced. A Festival Hall performance from 1963, it is well worth rescuing from oblivion. Good sound too." Penguin Guide