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Sibelius Vanska symphonies Posted by Jack Geitz on July 28, 2011, 9:32 am 144.131.36.227 I dont usually grouch,and maybe this is not the place, but I noticed very strongly the massive difference between the recording quality between the Vanska Sibelius box set, and the Grieg complete orchestral music box set--both by BIS, a company I have always respected and loved. The Grieg is superb, the sound leaps out from the speakers. The Sibelius seems flat,no bass. Very disappointing. That:s life I guess, but Vanska has always delivered for me before! Its back to the Karajan for me !!! Jack Geitz

Re: Sibelius Vanska symphonies Posted by Robert von Bahr on August 10, 2011, 4:37 am, in reply to "Sibelius Vanska symphonies" Message modified by board administrator August 10, 2011, 1:55 pm Thank you, Mr. Geitz, for your nice words. This ties in somewhat with another question on this board - that about original dynamics and recording level. Osmo Vänskä does indeed employ huge dynamics - his pianissimi are sometimes hardly audible - and, so, the dynamics of his recordings is HUGE. If listened to at normal level settings, his recordings will sound weak and, depending upon the equipment, somewhat wanting in the nether regions. The remedy is simple: crank up the volume, and everything falls into place. This very discussion has been rampant on other sites as well, and my "trick" above seems to have worked for most. Do try it, and, again, thanks for your nice words. Robert

Re: Sibelius Vanska symphonies Posted by Jack Geitz on August 18, 2011, 8:43 am, in reply to "Re: Sibelius Vanska symphonies" 58.169.114.8 Takk so myka Robert Von Bahr, I feel honored,as ever since I held my first BIS LP in my hands( Sibelius -("The maiden in the Tower") a long time ago,BIS has been one of my favourite companies. I am in awe of the Schnittke edition. I currently own 78 BIS CDs. My equipment is: 2 Cerwin-Vega! speakers,select edition 380 SE 405 watts max. output 126 dB NAD 50 watt C320 BEE amplifier, NAD C 521BEE CD player. I will try your trick,and ramp-up the volume. I am glad this discussion has been rampant !!! As I,and as I am sure, like so many others,eagerly awaited a Vanska symphonic cycle. The art and sensitivity of Finland"s Jean Sibelius is more precious than fine gold, and has certainly inspired my life for over 45 years. Mind you, Raaatavaara is now a close second !!! I wish you and BIS all the success in the world. Jack Geitz, Tasmania, Australia

Re: Sibelius Vanska symphonies Posted by Robert von Bahr on January 20, 2012, 10:01 am, in reply to "Re: Sibelius Vanska symphonies" 85.225.2.181 Then, Mr. Geitz, you'll be happy to know that Vanska has now started a new cycle of Sibelius Symphonies, now with Minnesota Orchestra. The first one, on SACD 24/96 has just been released - BIS-SACD-1986. It is mindboggling - the 2nd and 5th symphonies became new works for me. Best - Robert

Re: Sibelius Vanska symphonies Posted by Nick Barnard on January 20, 2012, 11:07 am, in reply to "Re: Sibelius Vanska symphonies" 2.29.2.180 Is BIS' Sibelius edition becoming the musical equivalent of painting the Forth Bridge? - just when you get to the end its time to go back to the start and do it all over again........

Re: Sibelius Vanska symphonies Posted by jack geitz on January 26, 2012, 6:52 pm, in reply to "Re: Sibelius Vanska symphonies" 121.223.141.33 Yes! Its a bit like the box set of Murray Perahia complete Mozart piano concertos!!! I cant seem to get past the first 5 discs !!! They are so enchanting!! ....and then so is the EMI Delius celebration box !!!

Re: Sibelius Vanska symphonies Posted by jack geitz on May 12, 2012, 3:25 am, in reply to "Re: Sibelius Vanska symphonies" Dear Robert, I stand CORRECTED !! I am sorry if I have caused you any anxious moments !! BUT...I have gone back to the BIS set I wrote about and have changed my mind !! I have turned up the volume, and now find total satisfaction. I cannot bear the grunts of Colin Davis,it disturbs my concentration. I have since bought the BIS Schnittke box set of 10 symphonies ( I have all the BIS Scnittke single discs anyway,) but as a portable collection to take out of the house etc, PLUS Presto Classical's price was just too good to pass by. And I have bought the Van Holmboe set of complete symphonies on Amazon, on their way now from USA. I will be visiting friends near Newcastle UK in Sept. for 3 weeks, if any ferries can connect me to near where you live, it may be nice to share an aquavit with you perhaps, & view your most wonderful establishment, BIS is one of my favourite labels.... Kind Regards Jack Geitz can anything good come out of Minnesota??? !!

Re: Sibelius Vanska symphonies Posted by Dan Morgan on January 21, 2012, 12:39 am, in reply to "Sibelius Vanska symphonies" 80.3.76.182 Jack You may be interested to read my comments on the new Sibelius 2 & 5 in the next Download Roundup.

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