Sibelius: Symphonies Nos. 3 and 5
Oslo Philharmonic, Mariss Jansons, conductor (EMI Classics). London Symphony Orchestra, Colin Davis, conductor (RCA Victor).
Sibelius: Symphonies Nos. 4 and 5
Berlin Philharmonic, James Levine, conductor (DG).
In the matter of the Fifth Symphony, the summit of the composer’s work, the interpretative contrasts are sharpest among the three conductors.
To his cycle of Sibelius symphonies with the Oslo Philharmonic Jansons adds a reflective, gorgeously nuanced reading, with a refined transparency of texture throughout, that nevertheless offers energy wherever needed. It’s the clear pick of the lot, superior to both Levine’s expansive, grandiloquent view and Davis’ lackluster traversal, part of his second Sibelius cycle.
Comparisons also work in Janssons’ favor with the less-popular Symphony No. 3. Davis’ approach is brisk and businesslike, drawing a tonal astringency from the London Symphony that suits this transitional work. Still, the Jansons–airy, refined, rhythms fairly dancing off the page–will convince you the Third is a neglected minor masterpiece.
Levine finds more to engage him in the Fourth Symphony, whose somber moods, punctuated by swells of dissonance, show the Berliners at their most powerfully committed. And DG’s sound matches the interpretation, making the listener a partner in exploration as conductor and musicians peel away the various layers of sonorities in Sibelius’ most withdrawn, introspective symphony. Do hear it–but buy the Janssons for its splendid Fifth. With each issue, his EMI cycle is shaping up to be one of the most distinguished on disc.
