Composer: Jean Sibelius
Works: Violin Concerto (1905), Symphony No. 5 (1917)
Performers: Ida Haendel (violin), Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra/Paavo Berglund
Recording: 1976, 1974
Label: EMI UNESCO CLASSICS – DISKY DCL 707242
Jean Sibelius stands as a towering figure in the pantheon of late Romantic composers, whose works are steeped in the ethos of Nordic landscapes and folklore. The Violin Concerto, composed in 1905, reflects a tumultuous period in Sibelius’s life, where personal struggles and the quest for artistic identity coalesce into a work marked by both virtuosic demands and profound emotional depth. Similarly, the Symphony No. 5, completed in 1917 against the backdrop of war and national identity, presents an evolution in Sibelius’s style, showcasing a more austere and yet grandly expansive sonic palette. This disc, featuring the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra under Paavo Berglund with Ida Haendel as the soloist, offers a compelling insight into these quintessential Sibelius masterpieces.
Berglund’s interpretation of the Fifth Symphony is notably robust, imbued with a solemnity that befits its narrative of struggle and triumph. The orchestra conveys a sense of gravitas, particularly in the opening movement, where the brass and woodwinds assert themselves with a powerful, yet controlled intensity. The careful pacing allows the listener to savor the unfolding thematic development, which is both majestic and haunting. While this performance may not supplant more widely lauded renditions, such as those by Karajan or Salonen, it stands out for its sincerity and clarity. The recording quality, derived from analogue tapes, retains an authenticity that resonates with the listener, even amidst a hint of background hiss that, paradoxically, enhances the sense of time and place.
The Violin Concerto, however, is the disc’s pièce de résistance. Haendel’s performance is nothing short of extraordinary, capturing the concerto’s mercurial spirit with an interpretative flair that is both spontaneous and meticulously crafted. Her tone is rich and expressive, particularly evident at 4:13 in the first movement, where her legato glides seamlessly, imbuing the music with an emotional weight that feels both personal and universal. The interplay between the violin and orchestra is masterfully handled by Berglund, who ensures that the orchestral textures do not overshadow the soloist’s voice, allowing Sibelius’s intricate dialogues to shine through. This performance evokes comparisons to the legendary Oistrakh/Rozhdestvensky collaboration, yet Haendel’s unique expressiveness and the orchestral cohesion here make a strong case for its inclusion among the top interpretations of the work.
Sound quality on this recording is commendable given its provenance, with the analogue warmth rendering the orchestral fabric vividly. The engineers have managed to create a soundstage that feels both expansive and intimate, allowing the listener to appreciate the nuanced interplay of textures that Sibelius so masterfully weaves. The distinct timbre of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, under Berglund’s insightful direction, adds a robust character to the performance that is particularly appealing.
This recording of Sibelius’s Violin Concerto and Symphony No. 5 reveals a deeply engaging interpretation that balances historical fidelity with artistic expression. While it might not dethrone the reference recordings for some listeners, it offers a unique perspective that reflects both the composer’s vision and the performers’ artistry. The disc is a worthy addition to any Sibelius collection, encapsulating a profound understanding of the music that resonates well beyond its bargain price.
