Sibelius, Jean - 4CD-BOX: Symphonies Nos. 1-7 - Davis, Colin (conductor)

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CD Reviews:
Sir Colin Davis, conductor
Peter Mattei, baritone
Monica Groop, mezzo-soprano
Gentlemen of the London Symphony Chorus
London Symphony Orchestra

CD Reviews:
'... this might turn out to be the finest Sibelius cycle on disc ... superbly handled by these fine players under a master Sibelian'
The Observer (UK), Symphony No 2

Disc of the Month Gramophone (UK), Symphony No 2

'There is so much about these performances that is ear-opening - or just plain magnificent.'
BBC Music Magazine (UK), Symphony No 2

Choc de l'année 2007 Le Monde de la Musique (France), Symphony No 2

'these reflective, deeply felt performances are among the most penetrating on disc'
BBC Music Magazine, Symphonies Nos 1&4

Best of the Year Discs 2008
Audiophile Audition, Symphonies Nos 1&4

Editor's Choice
Gramophone, Symphonies Nos 3&7

'an absolutely masterful characterization of music that in most other performances puzzles as often as it enchants ... this release will be tough to beat' Artistic Quality 9, Sound Quality 9
ClassicsToday.com, Symphonies Nos 3&7

Best Buy Classic FM Magazine (UK), Symphonies Nos 3&7

'It is hard to imagine these works in more idiomatic performances ... Davis remains one of the world's leading international Sibelians, and his love for this music emerges from every bar of his pristine, expansive yet momentous account ... this new version is still more intense, yearning, mysterious ... this disc deserves to fly out of the shops.'
Sunday Times (UK), Symphonies Nos 3&7

Choc Le Monde de la Musique (France), Symphonies Nos 3&7

'stunning ... Flawless committed playing of the LSO, but what's really remarkable is the sense of space that Davis brings to the music - you can hear every note in the orchestral texture'
DISC OF THE MONTH
Classic FM Magazine (UK), Symphonies Nos 5&6

Choice of the Month - Orchestral BBC Music Magazine (UK), Symphonies Nos 5&6

'This LSO Live Sibelius/Davis series is turning out very well indeed. In the Fifth the sense of growth, of many facets all belonging to an organic whole, is outstanding ... the Sixth Symphony] is an exemplary performance ... Strongly recommended'
TOP 5 DISCS OF THE MONTH
BBC Music Magazine (UK), Symphonies Nos 5&6

Best Choral Recording
BBC Music Magazine Awards 2007 (UK), Kullervo

Recording of the Year Award nomination
2007 Classical Brit Awards, Kullervo

Choice of the Month - Choral and Song
BBC Music Magazine (UK), Kullervo

'simply thrilling, a performance that goes straight to the top of recommended recordings. The men of the LSO Chorus are outstanding, as are the two soloists, Peter Mattei and Monica Groop. In short, this is a great performance by any standard, and it's also extremely well recorded ... As for the work itself, each hearing only makes Sibelius's ban on performances during his lifetime ever more incomprehensible. When treated with such compelling force and urgency, it's impossible to deny Kullervo its rightful place as a major, even great piece. Fantastic!'
Artistic Quality 10, Sound Quality 10
ClassicsToday.com (US), Kullervo