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Editor's picks

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  Sibelius: The Symphonies; Tone Poems [Box Set]

  Music (Deutsche Grammophon)
  

  Rating (7 reviews):

  (4.6/5)

  

  A Superb Introduction to Sibelius

  This box contains nearly all of Sibelius's major orchestral music, in superb performances under a noted interpreter of Scandanavian music, in collaboration with a virtuosic ensemble that is thoroughly steeped in the idiom, and vividly recorded. As such it represents remarkable value for a modest investment. Similar sets abound--Berglund/EMI, Barbirolli/EMI, Ashkenazy/Decca, Davis/BMG--but this one, in my estimation, trumps them all.Järvi knows this music inside out, yet conveys the freshness of new discovery even in such hackneyed works as the Second Symphony, *Finlandia*, and the *Swan of Tuonela*. He has the measure of Sibelius's northern sensibilities, but doesn't overdo the bleakness; on the other hand, there is a forthrightness, even a toughness to his interpretations that well suit a composer who fairly early in his career turned rather decisively from lush romanticism to a more restrained neo-classicism. Thus Järvi resists overplaying the rhetoric in... 5/5 Johannes Climacus "Listening for Enjoyment" (Beverly, Massachusetts) - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Sibelius: The Symphonies; Tone Poems [Box Set] (Audio CD) This box contains nearly all of Sibelius's major orchestral music, in superb performances under a noted interpreter of Scandanavian music, in collaboration with a virtuosic ensemble that is thoroughly steeped in the idiom, and vividly recorded. As such it represents remarkable value for a modest investment. Similar sets abound--Berglund/EMI, Barbirolli/EMI, Ashkenazy/Decca, Davis/BMG--but this one, in my estimation, trumps them all.Järvi knows this music inside out, yet conveys the freshness of new discovery even in such hackneyed works as the Second Symphony, *Finlandia*, and the *Swan of Tuonela*. He has the measure of Sibelius's northern sensibilities, but doesn't overdo the bleakness; on the other hand, there is a forthrightness, even a toughness to his interpretations that well suit a composer who fairly early in his career turned rather decisively from lush romanticism to a more restrained neo-classicism. Thus Järvi resists overplaying the rhetoric in... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , February 6, 2008

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  Where are the liner notes?

  I agree with the first reviewer, but what is it with DG in not including liner notes in the packaging? This seems to be increasingly the case in classical recordings. At least include a link to an informative website or PDF, etc. While there is a website for this release, the information is scant at best. Yes, I would like a booklet. 4/5 IMHO - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Sibelius: The Symphonies; Tone Poems [Box Set] (Audio CD) I agree with the first reviewer, but what is it with DG in not including liner notes in the packaging? This seems to be increasingly the case in classical recordings. At least include a link to an informative website or PDF, etc. While there is a website for this release, the information is scant at best. Yes, I would like a booklet. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , September 8, 2008

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  Make NO Mistake...This Is One of the BEST!

  This is truly a top-notch collection of the complete symphonies of Jean Sibelius out there....Jarvi, long-steeped in this music of his native land, certainly is one of the TWO best interpreters of these works. The other, of course, is Osmo Vanska, that set, also highly recommended .Nemi Jarvi knows these works inside-out, and together with the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra, where Sibelius himself also conducted them, we are presented with truly in-depth performances of these Scandanavian monolithic works. DG gives us truly demonstration quality sound, strings with a beautiful sheen, and brass with true bite, paced majestically by the inimitable Jarvi, one of the finest conductors/interpreters to come our way.I honestly find no weak links here to speak of, but wish for a less... 5/5 Gregory E. Foster "operabruin" (Portland, ME, USA) - See all my reviews, July 27, 2010

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  List Price: $55.98
  

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  Sibelius: The Complete Symphonies - Karelia - Lemminkäinen - Violin Concerto

  Digital Music Album (Bis)
  

  Rating (6 reviews):

  (5.0/5)

  

  Great Sibelius at a great price -- not to be missed

  This has got to be one of the best classical deals around on Amazon's MP3 site. These excellent recordings of all Jean Sibelius' symphonies from the BIS label -- plus a generous selection of Sibelius' other orchestral greats -- all on sale for $7.99. If you compare this to , currently at over $50, or even to released by BIS for $18, this is a tremendous bargain.But wait -- there's more. The releases linked to above only contain symphonies 1-7 and "Tapiola" -- total run time 4:47. This release has all that plus the Overture in E Major, Finlandia, the Lemminkainen Suite, Valse Triste, the Violin... 5/5 T. Fisher - See all my reviews, July 21, 2011

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  Unbelievable Performances, Unbelievable Bargain!

  I enthusiastically second everything written in the other two reviews. I have been a fan of the BIS label for quite some time now and I am NEVER disappointed with their recordings. The sound quality and engineering are superb, the performers, if not well-known, are first rate. There is also something satisfying in knowing that you are hearing Sibelius performed by a Finnish symphony. If you like what you hear here also know that BIS is almost finished with a complete release of everything Sibelius ever wrote. I believe these performances are culled from that endeavor. But, unless you are a die-hard Sibelian, you won't need much more than this set for your collection except perhaps a disc of songs and a disc of piano pieces. And, as Mr. Fisher wrote, grab it at this price! 5/5 Michael Rose - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Sibelius: The Complete Symphonies - Karelia - Lemminkäinen - Violin Concerto (MP3 Download) I enthusiastically second everything written in the other two reviews. I have been a fan of the BIS label for quite some time now and I am NEVER disappointed with their recordings. The sound quality and engineering are superb, the performers, if not well-known, are first rate. There is also something satisfying in knowing that you are hearing Sibelius performed by a Finnish symphony. If you like what you hear here also know that BIS is almost finished with a complete release of everything Sibelius ever wrote. I believe these performances are culled from that endeavor. But, unless you are a die-hard Sibelian, you won't need much more than this set for your collection except perhaps a disc of songs and a disc of piano pieces. And, as Mr. Fisher wrote, grab it at this price! Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , July 27, 2011

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  I am now a fan of Sibelius! What a bragain and treat for the Ears!

  Mr. T Fisher is absolutely on target with his review! This is a stupendous bargain. Hours of incredible music for a happy meal price! If you have a hunger for powerful music, played with passion and fire - buy this collection of music. The symphonies are just beautiful.This is just great music at a price that is too good to be true. Listen to another composer that is simply superb. Thank you Amazon for another musical moment! 5/5 John Keating - See all my reviews, July 21, 2011

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  Sibelius: Finlandia / Tone Poems

  Music (EMI Classics)
  

  Rating (13 reviews):

  (4.7/5)

  

  World-class recording at a ridiculous bargain basement price

  Wow.Despite a very low price, this is nothing short of a world-class compilation of Sibelius's tone poems.I guess it shouldn't come as too much of a shock that this disc is the real McCoy; after all, we're dealing with the Philharmonia Orchestra under the seasoned baton of Finland's Paavo Berglund. And the sound...wow again. These are some of the most warm, crystal-clear sonics I think I've ever heard on a Sibelius recording. How can the price be so low for all this good stuff?While everything here is stupendous, the two pieces that really stand out are THE OCEANIDES and TAPIOLA. In fact, they have become, I think, my favorite recordings of those pieces (and I am a devoted Sibelian).I have never heard THE OCEANIDES played with such power. And then there's TAPIOLA. Never better has the mystery and terror of Sibelius's northern forests ever been commited to a recording. The orchestral detail is astounding and the crescendos pack a... 5/5 Erik Homenick (San Diego, California) - See all my reviews, November 17, 2007

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  life is beautiful. loud. multifaceted,nuanced and cheap.

  its the last thing to consider in buying music, really but look at how much sellers want for this CD. Then consider the conductor Paavo Berglund, a man with an ear for detail. His almost consistently perfect sense of timing and balance bring you the best tapiola I've heard, compared with Karajan, Davis, Jaarvi, Beecham, et al. phantasmagorical. crank your bass up for the swan (track 2), you'll find the neighborhood flora leaning towards the house in a reverie of past-life deja vu. Its full-on romanticism, no worries about period shmeriod, proper this or that.just SOUND. If passion and tumult are the hallmarks of these craggy pieces, we are incredibly well served by the Philharmonia (mostly here) upon pressing play. modern life has its quirks. 5/5 Will Saar (ramapo valley, NJ) - See all my reviews This review is from: Sibelius: Finlandia / Tone Poems (Audio CD) its the last thing to consider in buying music, really but look at how much sellers want for this CD. Then consider the conductor Paavo Berglund, a man with an ear for detail. His almost consistently perfect sense of timing and balance bring you the best tapiola I've heard, compared with Karajan, Davis, Jaarvi, Beecham, et al. phantasmagorical. crank your bass up for the swan (track 2), you'll find the neighborhood flora leaning towards the house in a reverie of past-life deja vu. Its full-on romanticism, no worries about period shmeriod, proper this or that.just SOUND. If passion and tumult are the hallmarks of these craggy pieces, we are incredibly well served by the Philharmonia (mostly here) upon pressing play. modern life has its quirks. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , October 9, 2001

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  A Fine Bargain!

  A marvelously performed and warmly recorded compilation of favorite Sibelius tone poems from one of the late 20th Century's foremost conductors of Sibelius...and it's dirt cheap! I can no more adequately describe the Romantic "chilly warmth" of this dramatic music than I could live above the Arctic Circle; there's no other music quite like it. It took me until I lived over twenty years in Northern Michigan to warm up to it, then its appeal became obvious -- go figure. 5/5 Moldyoldie (Motown, USA) - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Sibelius: Finlandia / Tone Poems (Audio CD) A marvelously performed and warmly recorded compilation of favorite Sibelius tone poems from one of the late 20th Century's foremost conductors of Sibelius...and it's dirt cheap! I can no more adequately describe the Romantic "chilly warmth" of this dramatic music than I could live above the Arctic Circle; there's no other music quite like it. It took me until I lived over twenty years in Northern Michigan to warm up to it, then its appeal became obvious -- go figure. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , March 26, 2007

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  List Price: $6.98
  

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  Avid Software Sibelius 7 Academic Student

  Software (Avid Software)
  

  Rating (1 reviews):

  (5.0/5)

  

  Sibelius 7=Awesome

  Sibelius arrived about 3 days before it was originally scheduled (I had ordered it previously on journeyed.com but they had me waiting for a over a month [DO NO BUY FROM JOURNEY!!! it is about $60 more expensive and they are extremely unhelpful]).Sibelius is so easy to use and the tutorial videos make it easier. It takes a while to remember where certain panels are; after about 3 days it was easy. The one "bad" thing, if it even counts as a negative, is that the entire program is about 50gigabytes. It's somewhat of a majestic file if you used the new musical sound library, but well worth it. 5/5 JSequeira - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Avid Software Sibelius 7 Academic Student (DVD-ROM) Sibelius arrived about 3 days before it was originally scheduled (I had ordered it previously on journeyed.com but they had me waiting for a over a month [DO NO BUY FROM JOURNEY!!! it is about $60 more expensive and they are extremely unhelpful]).Sibelius is so easy to use and the tutorial videos make it easier. It takes a while to remember where certain panels are; after about 3 days it was easy. The one "bad" thing, if it even counts as a negative, is that the entire program is about 50gigabytes. It's somewhat of a majestic file if you used the new musical sound library, but well worth it. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , January 22, 2012

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  List Price: $295.00
  

  Share files with other music applications easily with full MusicXML interchange

  Brand new task-orientated user interface that makes learning and using the software faster and easier than ever

  Includes four years of complimentary upgrades for students, so you can stay fully up-to-date through your studies

  Produce professional-quality results with revamped typography and graphics import/export features

  Fully 64-bit native application, including an exclusive 35GB professional-quality sample library

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  Sibelius: The Symphonies

  Music (Decca)
  

  Rating (19 reviews):

  (4.2/5)

  

  Mostly excellent performances at an unbeatable price.

  Jean Sibelius (1865-1957) enjoyed during his lifetime a level of adulation few composers have ever known. From roughly 1920 until the mid-40s, Sibelius, at least in Scandinavia, England and America, was revered as the world's greatest living musical genius, and his symphonies were acclaimed as the equal of Brahms' and second only to Beethoven's. His birthday is a national holiday in Finland and his 70th birthday gala was attended by the presidents of each Scandinavian country (including Denmark). His music was among the most frequently performed anywhere in the world. Winston Churchill sent him cigars. Ormandy and the Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra made a trip in the dead of the Finnish winter to visit the 90 year old Sibelius at his isolated home, Ainola, which is now a national monument. It was with the arrival of Virgil Thomson at the New York Herald Tribune in 1941, however, that the surprisingly rapid descent of Sibelius' reputation began, and it has never again come close to... 5/5 Augustus Caesar, Ph.D. (Eugene, Oregon United States) - See all my reviews This review is from: Sibelius: The Symphonies (Audio CD) Jean Sibelius (1865-1957) enjoyed during his lifetime a level of adulation few composers have ever known. From roughly 1920 until the mid-40s, Sibelius, at least in Scandinavia, England and America, was revered as the world's greatest living musical genius, and his symphonies were acclaimed as the equal of Brahms' and second only to Beethoven's. His birthday is a national holiday in Finland and his 70th birthday gala was attended by the presidents of each Scandinavian country (including Denmark). His music was among the most frequently performed anywhere in the world. Winston Churchill sent him cigars. Ormandy and the Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra made a trip in the dead of the Finnish winter to visit the 90 year old Sibelius at his isolated home, Ainola, which is now a national monument. It was with the arrival of Virgil Thomson at the New York Herald Tribune in 1941, however, that the surprisingly rapid descent of Sibelius' reputation began, and it has never again come close to... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , December 24, 2000

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  Exhilarating Sibelius recordings

  Having bought supposedly "legendary" and "landmark" Sibelius recordings before and been sorely disappointed, I must confess to having misgivings as soon as I'd pressed the 'order' button for this set. Would all the praise turn out to be the usual hyperbole? I shouldn't have worried...There's a real sense of excitement in these recordings and they are full of vitality and character. The Vienna players bring obvious enthusiasm and drive to these wonderful works but there's great subtlety and a deep understanding of the music too. So much so that just hearing them play the 1st (a performance that crackles with an energy that matches the vitality and invention of the writing) reminded me of the awe I felt when I first discovered Sibelius several years ago, and I don't think any CDs I've bought since my first purchase of these symphonies has had that effect. I'd agree with most in saying that the highlights are the 4th and 7th - the latter performance really capturing the epic... 4/5 MR P FITTON (Oldham, Manchester UK) - See all my reviews, February 14, 2004

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  PERFORMANCES WITHOUT PEER

  I cut my teeth on this set some 30 plus years ago, when first released by London Records in a nifty slipcase, and my affection and admiration for it have never dwindled. At its budget CD incarnation, I rejoiced in disbelief, and with good reason. As an integral collection of the seven Sibelius symphonies, this set simply has no equal in today's market. The penetrating and provoking interpretations of Maazel, startling and consistently thrilling performances by the VPO, and the absolutely incredible London "sound," made all the more immediate by CD transfer, simply make this set elemental, essential and definitive. For little more than the cost of one full-priced CD, you can own this visionary (nay, legendary) set. You can span the years (and even the centuries, now) with Sibelius and Maazel as your guides.[Running time--- CD 1: 69:00 CD 2: 69:42 CD 3: 73:17] 5/5 Melvyn M. Sobel "Melvyn M. Sobel" (Freeport, New York) - See all my reviews This review is from: Sibelius: The Symphonies (Audio CD) I cut my teeth on this set some 30 plus years ago, when first released by London Records in a nifty slipcase, and my affection and admiration for it have never dwindled. At its budget CD incarnation, I rejoiced in disbelief, and with good reason. As an integral collection of the seven Sibelius symphonies, this set simply has no equal in today's market. The penetrating and provoking interpretations of Maazel, startling and consistently thrilling performances by the VPO, and the absolutely incredible London "sound," made all the more immediate by CD transfer, simply make this set elemental, essential and definitive. For little more than the cost of one full-priced CD, you can own this visionary (nay, legendary) set. You can span the years (and even the centuries, now) with Sibelius and Maazel as your guides.[Running time--- CD 1: 69:00 CD 2: 69:42 CD 3: 73:17] Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , July 25, 2000

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  List Price: $23.98
  

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  Sibelius: Finlandia/Tone Poems

  Digital Music Album (SERAPHIM)
  

  Rating (13 reviews):

  (4.7/5)

  

  World-class recording at a ridiculous bargain basement price

  Wow.Despite a very low price, this is nothing short of a world-class compilation of Sibelius's tone poems.I guess it shouldn't come as too much of a shock that this disc is the real McCoy; after all, we're dealing with the Philharmonia Orchestra under the seasoned baton of Finland's Paavo Berglund. And the sound...wow again. These are some of the most warm, crystal-clear sonics I think I've ever heard on a Sibelius recording. How can the price be so low for all this good stuff?While everything here is stupendous, the two pieces that really stand out are THE OCEANIDES and TAPIOLA. In fact, they have become, I think, my favorite recordings of those pieces (and I am a devoted Sibelian).I have never heard THE OCEANIDES played with such power. And then there's TAPIOLA. Never better has the mystery and terror of Sibelius's northern forests ever been commited to a recording. The orchestral detail is astounding and the crescendos pack a... 5/5 Erik Homenick (San Diego, California) - See all my reviews, November 17, 2007

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  life is beautiful. loud. multifaceted,nuanced and cheap.

  its the last thing to consider in buying music, really but look at how much sellers want for this CD. Then consider the conductor Paavo Berglund, a man with an ear for detail. His almost consistently perfect sense of timing and balance bring you the best tapiola I've heard, compared with Karajan, Davis, Jaarvi, Beecham, et al. phantasmagorical. crank your bass up for the swan (track 2), you'll find the neighborhood flora leaning towards the house in a reverie of past-life deja vu. Its full-on romanticism, no worries about period shmeriod, proper this or that.just SOUND. If passion and tumult are the hallmarks of these craggy pieces, we are incredibly well served by the Philharmonia (mostly here) upon pressing play. modern life has its quirks. 5/5 Will Saar (ramapo valley, NJ) - See all my reviews This review is from: Sibelius: Finlandia / Tone Poems (Audio CD) its the last thing to consider in buying music, really but look at how much sellers want for this CD. Then consider the conductor Paavo Berglund, a man with an ear for detail. His almost consistently perfect sense of timing and balance bring you the best tapiola I've heard, compared with Karajan, Davis, Jaarvi, Beecham, et al. phantasmagorical. crank your bass up for the swan (track 2), you'll find the neighborhood flora leaning towards the house in a reverie of past-life deja vu. Its full-on romanticism, no worries about period shmeriod, proper this or that.just SOUND. If passion and tumult are the hallmarks of these craggy pieces, we are incredibly well served by the Philharmonia (mostly here) upon pressing play. modern life has its quirks. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , October 9, 2001

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  A Fine Bargain!

  A marvelously performed and warmly recorded compilation of favorite Sibelius tone poems from one of the late 20th Century's foremost conductors of Sibelius...and it's dirt cheap! I can no more adequately describe the Romantic "chilly warmth" of this dramatic music than I could live above the Arctic Circle; there's no other music quite like it. It took me until I lived over twenty years in Northern Michigan to warm up to it, then its appeal became obvious -- go figure. 5/5 Moldyoldie (Motown, USA) - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Sibelius: Finlandia / Tone Poems (Audio CD) A marvelously performed and warmly recorded compilation of favorite Sibelius tone poems from one of the late 20th Century's foremost conductors of Sibelius...and it's dirt cheap! I can no more adequately describe the Romantic "chilly warmth" of this dramatic music than I could live above the Arctic Circle; there's no other music quite like it. It took me until I lived over twenty years in Northern Michigan to warm up to it, then its appeal became obvious -- go figure. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , March 26, 2007

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  Sibelius: Complete Symphonies, Vol. 1 ~ Nos. 1, 2, 4 & 5

  Music (Philips)
  

  Rating (16 reviews):

  (4.5/5)

  

  Great recordings, great price, skinny packaging

  Despite recommendations that pop up occasionally for more obscure cycles of the Sibelius symphonies, I find this to be, as a whole, the most fulfilling set. Davis and the BSO play and are recorded beautifully. The early symphonies, though not my favorites, here fare better than they often do because Davis doesn't make them sound like chilly Tchaikovsky. The Fourth gets a terrific reading, both appropriately bleak and, in the slow movement, lyrical and beautiful. Throughout we're aware that Davis isn't *pushing* to make a point...he brings out the music's qualities effortlessly and organically, with a quiet and subtle logic from movement to movement. The Fifth really allows the Boston Symphony to show off its superb colors, and we realize, in the right hands, this is one of the most beautiful, if not *the* most beautiful, in the United States. Davis manages sounds that are thick and plummy where needed (the tympani, for example) but also lean and crystaline where needed (string and... 5/5 John Grabowski (USA) - See all my reviews This review is from: Sibelius: Complete Symphonies, Vol. 1 ~ Nos. 1, 2, 4 & 5 (Audio CD) Despite recommendations that pop up occasionally for more obscure cycles of the Sibelius symphonies, I find this to be, as a whole, the most fulfilling set. Davis and the BSO play and are recorded beautifully. The early symphonies, though not my favorites, here fare better than they often do because Davis doesn't make them sound like chilly Tchaikovsky. The Fourth gets a terrific reading, both appropriately bleak and, in the slow movement, lyrical and beautiful. Throughout we're aware that Davis isn't *pushing* to make a point...he brings out the music's qualities effortlessly and organically, with a quiet and subtle logic from movement to movement. The Fifth really allows the Boston Symphony to show off its superb colors, and we realize, in the right hands, this is one of the most beautiful, if not *the* most beautiful, in the United States. Davis manages sounds that are thick and plummy where needed (the tympani, for example) but also lean and crystaline where needed (string and... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , February 1, 2002

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  "Finland, Finland. The Country Where I'd Quite Like To Be"

  I'm ashamed to say this, but until recently I have avoided Sibelius like the plague. I'm even more ashamed to say this: I avoided him because certain classical music writers/scholars misled me into thinking that his melodic invention was second-rate, his orchestration flabby, and the majority of his works pedestrian. This is all before I even heard a note of the man's music. I'll never make that mistake again! Considering that it has been fashionable to take critical swipes at Beethoven (!) for the last 50 years, it's quite obvious that classical music critics can never be fully trusted. If that were the case, I never would have approached Wagner, Charles Ives, or Anton Webern.I concur with several reviewers in stating that the overall sound of these recordings is excellent. Davis' conducting is very solid & stately. The Boston Symphonic sings this music with such frozen intensity that Symphony #4 can be almost overwhelmingly moving. Personally, I have never noticed any really... 5/5 Joseph Kimsey "Fareastnibelung" (Pac NW) - See all my reviews, June 20, 2002

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  An Introduction to Sibelius

  The seven symphonies of Jean Sibelius (1865 -- 1957) are among the most impressive musical achievements of the Twentieth Century. His music fell into obscurity briefly at around the time of his death but fortunately has been restored to its rightful place. Few Twentieth Century composers have been so influential.Colin Davis is a master of Sibelius' music, and his first cycle of the symphonies with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, available on two "duo" CD sets on Phillips, is available at a budget price. Sibelius's symphonies reward a "completist" approach. There are only seven, and the listener can follow the set in order and learn how Sibelius developed from a composer heavily influenced by late romanticism, including Tchaikovsky, Bruckner, and Wagner, to a modernist composer with a difficult, complex voice. For those wanting a guide, I recommend Michael Steinberg's book "The Symphony" (1995). Steinberg obviously loves Sibelius, and he discusses each of his... 5/5 Robin Friedman (Washington, D.C. United States) - See all my reviews, December 3, 2005

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  List Price: $17.98
  

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  Avid Software Sibelius v. 7

  Software (Avid Software)
  

  Rating (2 reviews):

  (5.0/5)

  

  Sibelius 7, Flexible Music Notation Software

  I've used MusicTime(G-Vox), Encore, and Finale. All have their strengths and weaknesses, as well as their peculiarities. But SIBELIUS 7 is wonderful!PRO's:1. CUSTOMIZABLE KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS. Like Logic Pro and like Microsoft's Word, Sibelius 7 allows the user to assign keystrokes to almost any function available in the program--and there are hundreds of functions! Though the software comes with many of its own keyboard shortcuts, I prefer many of my own--shortcuts which are, for me, more intuitive and convenient. It's great to have finally found music notation software that allows me to customize the keyboard; this really speeds up editing functions and greatly improves workflow.2. STABLE LAYOUT: While other music notation software programs often mess things up when you open and close them (or when you print), Sibelius has proven much more stable and consistent. One function that helps with this is the "Freeze Items" button which allows the user... 5/5 Chopinzee - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Avid Software Sibelius v. 7 (CD-ROM) I've used MusicTime(G-Vox), Encore, and Finale. All have their strengths and weaknesses, as well as their peculiarities. But SIBELIUS 7 is wonderful!PRO's:1. CUSTOMIZABLE KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS. Like Logic Pro and like Microsoft's Word, Sibelius 7 allows the user to assign keystrokes to almost any function available in the program--and there are hundreds of functions! Though the software comes with many of its own keyboard shortcuts, I prefer many of my own--shortcuts which are, for me, more intuitive and convenient. It's great to have finally found music notation software that allows me to customize the keyboard; this really speeds up editing functions and greatly improves workflow.2. STABLE LAYOUT: While other music notation software programs often mess things up when you open and close them (or when you print), Sibelius has proven much more stable and consistent. One function that helps with this is the "Freeze Items" button which allows the user... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , January 24, 2012

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  Excellent Way To Write Music!

  This program is what I was waiting for to own for a few years now. Being a Singer / Song Writer one always needs a way to put the thoughts to paper. Well, here, I get to do it to a computer screen. And play it when I get tired of playing it myself!! Great Software!! Great addition to Pro Tools!! 5/5 William R Pelfrey - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Avid Software Sibelius v. 7 (CD-ROM) This program is what I was waiting for to own for a few years now. Being a Singer / Song Writer one always needs a way to put the thoughts to paper. Well, here, I get to do it to a computer screen. And play it when I get tired of playing it myself!! Great Software!! Great addition to Pro Tools!! Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , March 4, 2012

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  List Price: $599.95
  Price: $475.00
  You Save: $124.95 (21%)

  Brand new task-orientated user interface that makes learning and using the software faster and easier than ever

  Fully 64-bit native application, including an exclusive 35GB professional-quality sample library

  The latest version of the world's best-selling music notation software

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  Sibelius: The Complete Symphonies 2

  Music (Philips)
  

  Rating (18 reviews):

  (4.7/5)

  

  This is the One to Own

  I was introduced to the symphonies of Sibelius back in grad school as I was writing my own symphony. My teacher felt that Sibelius was onto something innovative that wasn't being followed up by many 20th century symphonic composers, most of whom at the time had fallen under the spell of the Viennese school and as a result under the spell of Mahler. Indeed, Sibelius and Mahler were probably the two most important symphonic composers of the early 20th century (with Nielsen also up there) and yet their view of the symphony could not be more diverse. Mahler's symphonic canvases are huge edifices that contain diverse material brutally juxtaposed...and ultimately end up being ironic and often despairing commentaries on the material (though Mahler could just as often be jubilant, as in the finale of the 2nd symphony.) Sibelius, by contrast, was an organic composer, and valued concision over legnth. His unique approach toward form was based on the gradual growth of a theme from it's basic... 5/5 Christopher Forbes "weirdears" (Brooklyn,, NY) - See all my reviews, January 30, 2003

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  The only miss is the violin concerto

  This, along with its partner 2-fer, is the Sibelius set I'd recommend above all others. Some may think Davis too "straight on" but to me he finds the poetry and icy drama without having to work too hard--or at least show you how hard he's working. These are superb readings of the Third and Sixth, and the Seventh is only slightly below that. In that last and to me greatest of all Sibelius symphonies, we need more majesty and "moment" than Davis brings to his reading, but in the enigmatic Third or the lyrical and lonely Sixth Davis is at the top of the heap. The Third is a great illustration of what's so right about Davis' Sibelius. No eccentric tempi, no unusual twists in rhythm, Davis has the confidence to make the symphony "uncomplicated" and the beautiful simplicity is most appealing. Ditto for the Sixth. Boston's golden strings sing longingly without ever straining for effect, the sound is well-recorded, and the BSO is one beautiful orchestra (in the right hands). Davis manages a... 4/5 John Grabowski (USA) - See all my reviews This review is from: Sibelius: The Complete Symphonies 2 (Audio CD) This, along with its partner 2-fer, is the Sibelius set I'd recommend above all others. Some may think Davis too "straight on" but to me he finds the poetry and icy drama without having to work too hard--or at least show you how hard he's working. These are superb readings of the Third and Sixth, and the Seventh is only slightly below that. In that last and to me greatest of all Sibelius symphonies, we need more majesty and "moment" than Davis brings to his reading, but in the enigmatic Third or the lyrical and lonely Sixth Davis is at the top of the heap. The Third is a great illustration of what's so right about Davis' Sibelius. No eccentric tempi, no unusual twists in rhythm, Davis has the confidence to make the symphony "uncomplicated" and the beautiful simplicity is most appealing. Ditto for the Sixth. Boston's golden strings sing longingly without ever straining for effect, the sound is well-recorded, and the BSO is one beautiful orchestra (in the right hands). Davis manages a... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , February 1, 2002

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  Best CD in my collection

  Well, it is. Nearly 3 hours of my very favourite music, perfectly played. Almost perfectly, the brass at the end of the 7th are disgustingly heavy. But Accardo's concerto is the 2nd best of the millions I've heard (can't match Joshua Bell/LAPO for incredible excitement). RECOMMEND THIS CD MOST HIGHLY! 5/5 British listener (England) - See all my reviews This review is from: Sibelius: The Complete Symphonies 2 (Audio CD) Well, it is. Nearly 3 hours of my very favourite music, perfectly played. Almost perfectly, the brass at the end of the 7th are disgustingly heavy. But Accardo's concerto is the 2nd best of the millions I've heard (can't match Joshua Bell/LAPO for incredible excitement). RECOMMEND THIS CD MOST HIGHLY! Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , April 5, 2000

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  List Price: $17.98
  

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  Learn Sibelius 6 in 1 Hour

  eBooks
  

  Rating (2 reviews):

  (5.0/5)

  

  Sibelius Simplified!!

  I'd had Sibelius for years but couldn't get my head around it. After an hour with this book and the free videos I can do anything I need to. Best three bucks you'll spend if you need to learn Sibelius. 5/5 Yossarian - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Learn Sibelius 6 in 1 Hour (Kindle Edition) I'd had Sibelius for years but couldn't get my head around it. After an hour with this book and the free videos I can do anything I need to. Best three bucks you'll spend if you need to learn Sibelius. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , December 21, 2010

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  Unbelievable value for money

  While there are longer and more detailed books about Sibelius, including the excellent reference by Sibelius themselves, the combination of these videos and book for the price of a cup of coffee is the easiest way to get stuck into Sibelius I've seen. By a long way.I've been using Sibelius since version 2, and really just bought this book to learn about the new Sibelius 6 features, but I've learned so much that would have been useful with prior versions despite the fact each video is just 5 minutes and each chapter is short and to the point.The book is written in a conversational style, but manages to impart lots of detail and with humour. I am hoping there will be a follow-up book on some of the advanced features because I think with this level of help I could understand things I otherwise wouldn't.If you're new to Sibelius I would recommend this book to you- you don't have much to lose at this price! And if youve used Sibelius for a while but aren't fluent with it,... 5/5 Legin56 - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Learn Sibelius 6 in 1 Hour (Kindle Edition) While there are longer and more detailed books about Sibelius, including the excellent reference by Sibelius themselves, the combination of these videos and book for the price of a cup of coffee is the easiest way to get stuck into Sibelius I've seen. By a long way.I've been using Sibelius since version 2, and really just bought this book to learn about the new Sibelius 6 features, but I've learned so much that would have been useful with prior versions despite the fact each video is just 5 minutes and each chapter is short and to the point.The book is written in a conversational style, but manages to impart lots of detail and with humour. I am hoping there will be a follow-up book on some of the advanced features because I think with this level of help I could understand things I otherwise wouldn't.If you're new to Sibelius I would recommend this book to you- you don't have much to lose at this price! And if youve used Sibelius for a while but aren't fluent with it,... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , December 29, 2010

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  List Price: $2.99
  

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