COMPOSERS: Sibelius
LABELS: Beulah
WORKS: Symphony No. 2 in D; Symphony No. 6 in D minor
PERFORMER: LSO/Anthony Collins
CATALOGUE NO: 2PD8/3PD8 (distrib. Priory) ADD mono (1953-55)
These are excellent CD transfers from Fifties mono recordings. The brass, for example, is amazingly natural. The big Romantic tunes of the Second Symphony are spine-tingling. The Andantino of the Third Symphony, although a shade fast, has, for me, never been more charming. Pohjola’s Daughter is mightily impressive and Nightride and Sunrise is enthralling.
Older Sibelius enthusiasts will treasure these Collins readings in their new dress; younger generations will find them a revelation. Ian Lace