these (1 & 2) are the ones i enjoy most. i prefer #1 a great deal over #2...sounds a bit fresher to me.

dj

I prefer the language Sibelius developed in 3-4-5 and the later tone poems, but I discovered Sibelius Symphonies through #2 and then #1.

When I go back to these, I'm always surprised at how much I like them, and not just because you can hear many elements of his later style. I like them as pieces of music, period.

My favourite movement from these 2 symphonies is the 2nd mvmt of the 2nd symphony. The way that the tension and emphasis is funnelled into "weak" structural points (i.e. transitions) while the "strong" structural points (i.e. themes) are at rest is an absolutely brilliant way to make a slow movement go forwards.

Hello,
This is my first post on this forum. I am a long-time Sibelius fan having "discovered" his music as a teenager (I am now 4. I am by no means a classical music expert. I like music of many different kinds; orchestral, and particularly music from the Romantic period, are just one of my interests.

It might seem obvious and cliche, but the 2nd Symph is my fave. I like the 7th very much too (but will comment on that elsewhere). The 2nd along with Valse Triste are what brought me to Sibelius.

The finale of the 2nd has always been one of my favorites. The way it ebbs and flows and rises to a climax always stirs the soul. I have been lucky enough to see it performed live several times.

I look forward to posting here often.

Badger

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I have to admit, I am a sucker for the 2nd Symphony. Not only is it one of my favorite Sibelius pieces, it is one of my favorite pieces by any composer, period.

Full of memorable melodies and high drama, I think I appreciate it more and more with every listening. And the famous climax of the 4th movement give me goosebumps every time.

I've only seen it performed live once several years ago by the San Diego Symphony. As I recall, the SDS did a bang up job and their reading was quite moving.

As for my second favorite symphony, it's either the 1st or the 5th. I guess I still need to make up my mind on that one!

Sibelius's First as been described as Tchaikovsky's Seventh. I dont subscribe to that! any views.--kullervopete.

I will second Kullervopete's sentiment, I think too much is made of that parallel. I also find that the parallel is made mostly by people who know Swan Lake, Tchaikovsky's 5th, Romeo and Juliet and the Nutcracker very well... and then happen to chance on a few snippets of Sibelius' first two symphonies.

I think that Sibelius's youthful remark about Tchaikovsky 'Their is much of that man in me' has been taken out of context.
The big tune in the Finale of Sib 1 does not sound Russian at all to me, and what Sibelius does with it in the coda is very un-Tchaikovsky.--kullervopete.

I think that Sibelius and Thaikovsky are totally different. ( and so are also Nielsen and Grieg) However, Sib has a lighter branch in his output, like Karelia suite and Spring song, which I can now remember. Those works would maybe have something in common with other composers.

An enigma: What does Sib have in common with Tch 5th and 6th beginning? (nothing serious)

Nothing serious, I agree... but the start of Tchaik 5 - the motto - (for instance) is an inverted S-motif - and could perhaps be compared with the second big theme in the finale of Sib 2, which is close to an idea also in Vapautettu kuningatar (The Captive Queen). I can see why people make the comparison, though in the end it is maybe less enlightening that it appears at first.

And for the record, the bassoon melody that opens Tchaik 6th is also S-motif-like.

kullervopete wrote:

Sibelius's First as been described as Tchaikovsky's Seventh. I dont subscribe to that! any views.--kullervopete.

neither do i.
there is a fun tchaikovsky 7 'completed' by bogatyryev.
the ormandy/philly premier recording is much the best for me.

dj

I suppose that in a sense Tchaikovsky did write seven Symphonies if we include 'Manfred' opus 58. Dedicated to Balakirev, its long been a favorite of mine.--kullervopete.

hmmm...that makes eight.

dj

I would not include the 'Symphony in E flat' with the six published symphonies and 'Manfred' In 1882 Tchaikovsky completed the first movement of what was intended as No.6. But he then abandoned it. He did use the completed movement in the opening of the 3rd Piano Concerto. This Concerto was subsequently completed by Taneyev from other piano works. As you mention, Semyon Bogatyryov completed a reconstruction of the projected symphony [1951-55]
So both the 'Symphony No.7 and Piano Concerto No.3 are both 'Hybrid' works.--kullervopete.

i include it because it's fun, not because it's 'the real thing'.

dj

Ok dj--kullervopete.