Sibelius: The Wood-Nymph

Another Fine Lahti CD.

     

"The Wood Nymph" is the highlight of this one. Don't expect the nebulous rhythms and airy phrasing of later Sibelius masterpieces. This one is dominated by uncompromising rhythmic structure, but still retains the fortspinnung or continuo style of other Sibelius works. In contrast, "Swanwhite" is subdued and quietly beautiful. Vänskä and the Lahti Symphony prove once again that they are the masters of this man's music. Performances are solid, exacting, detailed, and exhilarating. The technical aspects of the recording only accentuate the marvelous playing. I highly recommend just about any Sibelius music as performed by this ensemble. Simply terrific.