***** Coup de Coeur (Exceptional Album)

“…Oramo opens with the early Lemminkäinen Suite … He coaxes colour and detail from the orchestra in these performances, right from the opening horns that plunge us into the heart of Finnish mythology…. The luminous colours Oramo produces in the Lemminkäinen Suite are rendered even more vividly here [Belshazzar’s Feast suite], particularly in the percussive Exoticism of the ‘Oriental’ march that opens the suite. Subtle renditions of the tranquil central movements, Solitude and Nocturne, come up best, however – hear Michael Cox’s gorgeous flute solo in the Nocturne. Between the larger works, Spring Song (written during Lemminkäinen) makes for a fine palate cleanser.”   ****½

“… This is a very impressive disc. Sakari Oramo proves himself to be an expert Sibelius interpreter and he draws magnificent, playing from the BBC Symphony, who are, collectively and individually, alive to all the nuances in the music yet can turn on the power when required. The Chandos engineering team have given them terrific sound, which adds greatly to the listening experience.”

Performance *****      Recording *****

“… Superbly recorded, this is a Lemminkäinen Suite to treasure.”

Recommended

“… Oramo and his orchestra refresh and illuminate this repertoire in ways I’d scarcely thought possible. And what higher praise can I give than that?  Seductively sonorous Sibelius, brimming with colour and character; very impressive recording, too.”

“This is Oramo’s first recording of Sibelius with the BBC SO, and its bracing string textures and wind solos bring the rich music of the Lemminkainen legends vividly to life. In the Swan of Tuonela, the cor anglais soloist, Alison Teale, glides majestically over the dark waters of the string parts; the later Spring Song and the orientalist music for Belshazzar’s Feast display the Finnish conductor’s empathy for his compatriot.”

Editor’s Choice – Orchestral

“Sakari Oramo has recorded precious little Sibelius since his time in Birmingham but don’t think the repertoire on this disc constitutes anything less than a mighty statement. We have Sibelius in three different but vital modes – linguistic cornerstones, even – on which the BBC Symphony’s chief conductor brings deep insights to bear…”