A rumble from the timpani and a lonely clarinet solo… 

That is how Sibelius embarked upon one of the great symphony cycles. This modest opening contains much of the material of the first movement. Osmo Vanska takes this movement at a lively pace, which for me makes sense when it comes to the tempo changes that come at a later point. Vanska gives the scherzo an energetic bite, often missing from many recordings. In the finale Vanska really displays his flair for this music, taking the marking of Quasi una fantasia at its word.

The other work on the disc is the dark and brooding fourth symphony. Sibelius wrote this work during a health scare (throat cancer symptoms which turned out to be benign). Its fragmented nature has made this symphony the least performed of the seven numbered symphonies. Vanska is a great ambassador for this work as he seems to have a deep understanding of it. He makes the most of its thick string textures and dark orchestral hues.

This second release from BIS of this cycle is most welcome and compliments Vanska's previous cycle from the Lahti SO on the same label.

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Written by Jason Hatton

Sibelius - Symphonies Nos. 1 & 4
Minnesota Orchestra & Osmo Vanska

"Exceptional: incredibly tense and energetic, yet teeming with detail. The orchestral sound, lithe and sparse, suits Vanska's unsentimental approach" The Times, 27 April 2013

Sibelius - Symphony No. 2, The Oceanides & Pohjolas Daughter The Halle Orchestra & Sir Mark Elder

"The Halle strings conjure up wondeful dark hues in the opening of Pohjola, and a silvery lightness to underpin the dancing woodwing in The Oceanides. Elder's approach to the symphony is a measure, slow-burning one. He's careful no to ratchet up the drama too early." The Guardian, 16th May 2013

Summer Special Offers!!

Summer is here and with comes the release of the Bath Compact Discs Summer Newsletter. For the last 4 years we have produced a quarterly newsletter advertising new releases and back-catalog promotions. The launch of our website left many customers with the alarming impression that we would not longer be sending out our newsletters! But do not fear, the newsletter is still going strong, if you would like to receive a copy drop and email with your name and address to Bathcds@btinternet.com or give us a call on +44 (0) 1225464766.

We have many discounts on our website to coincide with the release of the summer newlsetter. In particular we have two exciting Labels on promotion in the way of Chandos Records and LSO Live, both available at 20% off for a limited time. We have also put the most exciting picks a selection from the newsletter in an easily accessible place to help make browsing our website for special offers easier for you.

Chandos Records was founded in 1979 and has become of of the world's premiere record companies, their focus is on "superb quality recordings. LSO Live recordings are owned by the London Symphony Orchestra itself. The musicians not only choose what should be recorded, but are also involved throughout the production process, ensuring only recordings they are happy with get released.


We have endeavoured to get as much of the available catalogue onto the website but there are a few gaps that we will continue trying to fill in. As usual if there is anything you can't find email us and we will do our best to help you!!

www.bathcds.co.uk
bathcds@btinternet.com
Written by Matt Elson