Symphonies 1 & 7

Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, Leif Segerstam

Sibelius:
 Symphony No. 1 in E minor, Op. 39
 Symphony No. 7 in C major, Op. 105

"This is an issue to rank alongside Segerstam's outstanding Helsinki PO coupling of the Legends and Tapiola (Ondine) in its pungent character and re-creative spark. Segerstam's Seventh is well paced and keenly phrased, hitting real heights in the darkly boiling maelstrom beginning at 13 bars before fig L (9'53") and awe-inspiring culmination at fig Z (18'06"). His orchestra responds with zest and no mean poise. In fact, despite what sounds suspiciously like an edit at 15'50", this Seventh is one of the most imposing and highly charged of recent years. Bracing drama and a bold emotional scope are the keynotes to Segerstam's deeply pondered reading of the First Symphony. Assisted by alert and enthusiastic playing from his Helsinki band, he uncovers much illuminating detail within Sibelius' meticulous canvas, yet seldom to the detriment of the grander scheme. You may not agree with every interpretative decision, but Segerstam never sells the music short, revelling in its passion and often daring originality (sample the untamed fury of the Allegro molto material in the finale – nature red in tooth and claw). If Segerstam's strikingly pliable account lacks the thrust of, say, Vänskä's exhilarating Lahti SO performance, his Helsinki strings generate greater lyrical breadth. True, the recording is very good rather than exceptional, but Segerstam is never dull and makes you listen."
Gramophone - Classical Music Guide 2010