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Jalas reissue
Posted by Nils-Göran Olve on March 15, 2021, 8:31 am
Those interested in how Sibelius's contemporaries interpreted his music should access Fuga 9391, a 10-CD compilation of all Armas Järnefelt's recordings. Three CDs are devoted to Sibelius. The sound is indifferent but symphonies 1, 2 and 6 from 1941-50 are good enough to establish Järnefelt as a major Sibelian - no surprise given their close relation, and Järnefelt's importance in Swedish and Finnish musical life throughout the first half of the 20th century. No.2 in particular, with combined Helsinki orchestras in celebration of Sibelius's 80th birthday and in a still uncertain political situation, is one of my favourite versions.