Credits:

Herbert von Karajan, Leipzig Radio Symphony Orchestra, Paavo Berglund, Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra

Description:

The latest reissue of Koegel's terrifyingly penetrating "No. 4" and Berglund's first Sibelius recording, "No. 6 and others". New reissue from the original ETERNA analog tapes. World's first SACD release! Excellent recording. Mastered only in analog domain and directly converted to DSD! The 20th SACD hybridization of the latest reissue project of ETERNA's original analog tapes in Japan. The original coupling of "No. 6" and "The Swan of Tuonella", Berglund's first Sibelius recording before the completion of the complete works (later, he also recorded "No. 4" with the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra in 1968 for DECCA), is included on one disc and reissued as the first SACD recording in the world. At that time, Deutsche Schallplatten was recording Sibelius with several conductors, and there were also Galagly recordings of Nos. 1, 2, and 7, which were later compiled by Sanderling between 1970 and 1977 as one complete symphony cycle (reissued in September 2021 as 0302066BC in this project). The individual recordings are each fascinating in their own right. Each of the individual recordings is fascinating in its own right, and they also provide valuable information on how Sibelius was interpreted around 1970, a time when his music was considered to be somewhat unique in the Austro-German world.The interpretation of "No. 4," considered the most difficult of Sibelius's symphonies because of its tone, is recognized as the "extreme north" in this performance by Kegel. This is the only performance in which this music, which can be described as "quiet" music, is played as if it were contemporary music, and the dynamic range is vast and the contrasts are intense. This performance is awe-inspiring, with a terrifying objectivity and sometimes cruelty. The deathly contemplation, as if a light shines through but quickly fades away, seems to be an expression of Kegel's subconscious. This is one of the most outstanding performances among Kegel's many recordings. The recording is excellent, and this reissue allows us to grasp every detail. (1/2)