Sibelius: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 4 London Symphony Orchestra & Sir Colin Davis

• Jean Sibelius (1865 - 1957): Symphony No. 1 in E Minor, Op. 39:
• 1I. Andante, ma non troppo - Allegro energico11:54
• 2II. Andante (ma non troppo lento)09:27
• 3III. Scherzo. Allegro05:15
• 4IV. Finale (Quasi una fantasia). Andante12:59
• Symphony No. 4 in A Minor, Op. 63:
• 5I. Tempo molto moderato, quasi adagio11:42
• 6II. Allegro molto vivace04:58
• 7III. Il tempo largo12:41
• 8IV. Allegro09:21
• Total Runtime01:18:17

Info for Sibelius: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 4

Sir Colin Davis' award-winning cycle of Sibelius's symphonies reaches its conclusion with the release of Symphonies Nos 1 & 4. Sibelius was still heavily influenced by Tchaikovsky when he composed his First Symphony although there are clear signs of him developing his own highly individual style. The Fourth Symphony, completed eleven years later consitutes a dark heart at the centre of his symphonic output, written shortly after he underwent treatment for cancer.

"The First is archetypal latter-day Davis, vehemently alive and unafraid to slam on the brakes in the interests of heightened expressivity. The Fourth is even more impressive in its muscular directness, contemplating barren wastelands without the sugar-coating of Romanticism." (Gramophone Magazine)

"In short, Sibelius conducting of real stature, to which the LSO respond wholeheartedly." (Penguin Guide)

"Mature wisdom and beautiful playing from the LSO" (The Times)

"…these reflective, deeply felt performances are among the most penetrating on disc." (BBC Music Magazine)

London Symphony Orchestra
Sir Colin Davis, conductor

Sir Colin Davis
The traditional road to success for a conductor used to be an apprenticeship in an opera house as a coach, playing the piano for singers in rehearsal. Colin Davis chose another route, partly by necessity. Unable to play the piano, he was not allowed into the conducting course at the Royal College of Music in London. So, he achieved an important international career by taking the initiative to form ensembles and conduct for friends at first. Early successes included the founding of the Chelsea Opera Group, a company which to this day gives performances of little known operas in concert.

Davis was soon working with professional orchestras including the BBC Scottish Symphony. His first ‘break’ was at Sadler’s Wells in 1958 when his conducting of Mozart’s Abduction from the Seraglio began a lifelong connection with that composer. The Edinburgh Festival followed along with Glyndebourne. His concert career blossomed in the mid 1960′s alongside his opera work and his other passion for Berlioz began to bring him to the attention of record lovers. He has recorded all the major works of Berlioz, including the first complete (and still regarded as the landmark) recording of Les Troyens.

Davis has enjoyed a career-long affiliation with Philips Classics, recording along with Berlioz, Mozart, the complete symphonies of Sibelius (while he was Principal Guest Conductor of the Boston Symphony in the 1970s) and much more.

Booklet for Sibelius: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 4