My DVD collection is now growing so I've started this thread with a Sibelius 5.

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This account of Sibelius's Fifth Symphony is pretty impressive by any standards and all the more remarkable in that it is performed by the UBS Festival Orchestra, consisting of around 100 players between the ages of 17 and 29 under that seasoned Sibelian Esa-Pekka Salonen. Two elements stand out for me, firstly the pacing of the musical argument and secondly, the musicianship and commitment of these young players. Take that lugubrious bassoon solo in the first movement, wonderfully played with those mysterious strings oscillating like the play of light on some Northern river. Later, those little trumpet fanfares given such meaning. As the immense recapitulation gathers momentum, I was given a jolt as Salonen suddenly cracked the whip and the orchestra accelerated to the finishing line faster than any version that I have heard. Again in the second movement I found moments of sheer beauty. In lesser hands, that repeated five note rhythm can seem somewhat obsessive but orchestra and conductor both illuminate the great subtlety of Sibelius's thinking as the music continually re-flowers into moments of pure magic. In the Finale I have compared Salonens Swedish Radio video which can be found in the Media section. Not surprisingly this present version is quite similar. Rushing strings raise expectations of something momentous and usher in just about the broadest account of the 'Swan theme' that I have ever heard, but for me it works. Indeed my eyes filled up with the immensity of Sibelius's vision and the counter melody on woodwind and celli gain in grandeur. As the trumpets take up the Swan theme, Salonen speeds up just enough and the music moves forward to its earth shattering conclusion. Recommended. Also includes Salonens own 'LA Variations'--kp

Medici arts DVD 3078648 [56 MINS]