Sibelius: 2. Sinfonie ∙ hr-Sinfonieorchester ∙ Susanna Mälkki

Jean Sibelius:
2. Sinfonie D-Dur op. 43 ∙
I. Allegretto ∙
II. Tempo andante, ma rubato - Andante sostenuto - Allegro - Andante sostenuto
III. Vivacissimo - Lento e soave - Tempo primo - Lento e soave - Largamente ∙
IV. Finale. Allegro moderato ∙
hr-Sinfonieorchester - Frankfurt Radio Symphony ∙
Susanna Mälkki, Dirigentin ∙
hr-Sinfoniekonzert ∙
Alte Oper Frankfurt, 17. Mai 2019 ∙
Website: www.hr-sinfonieorchester.de ∙
Facebook: / hrsinfonieorchester

[@tamneal]

Great performance. And for those interested... (0:26) I. Allegretto (11:06) II. Tempo andante, ma rubato - Andante sostenuto - Allegro - Andante sostenuto (27:26) III. Vivacissimo - Lento e soave - Tempo primo - Lento e soave - Largamente (33:12) IV. Finale. Allegro moderato

[@felipetavares79]

IV. Finale. Allegro moderato starts at 33:12.

[@tamneal]

@@felipetavares79 Thanks Felipe. Duly edited.

[@thiagovinicius4186]

Br?

[@michaelowenmcmahon]

Well done. 40 years after I first performed this piece in an orchestra, this still brings me chills. Lush strings, exclamatory radiant brass and a vibrant, warm production - even with crude Facebook compression. This and my coffee made for a great start to my day. Thank you!

[@staffanolofsson8201]

@@michaelowenmcmahon Perhaps you meant KZbin compression, not Facebook compression? I have to say, perhaps due to my fine headphones, that I don´t find this compression as a heavy burden at all. Come, coffee!

[@francescaartalfacerias1545]

Meravellosa Sinfonia.. Gran Sibelius...merci !

[@akinsolasalami8694]

Classical music makes me feel like I can overcome my challenges, move on from sorrow and achieve my hearts desires

[@bcing75]

That's the beauty of this music. Been listening for over 30 years and it has brought me triumph and solace over pain and I don't know how I'd survive without it.

[@Aristaeuss]

Same here. It helps me to cope with my emotions

[@AnthonyDonnellyTT]

@@bcing75 "The music is your only friend... until the end" When the music's over... turn out the light. Jim Morrison. The Doors. Classic and profound words that span all music and how it affects us... words that certainly resonate with me.

[@ciupenhauer]

you almost spoke in words more than the music. shit, congrats!

[@Moo19850730]

Agreed but I think this one here is exceptionally beautiful. Especially the 4th mov.

[@simonrostis5580]

This is one of the cleanest performances of Sibelius two, ever.

[@allwinds3786]

I've been listening to a lot of recordings of this piece and this has a depth and clarity missing in the others.

[@marialeysen2030]

Very very N I C E ‼️‼️‼️🤙

[@EDbyDallas2012]

I agree. This is the best performance/ recording I have ever heard Sibelius Symphony. BRAVO. So clean, clear, not messy. Perfectly presented.

[@Biber0315]

Not quite. George Szell, Tokyo 1970.

[@fearlessart418]

Clean to the point of soulless.

[@RichardGreen422]

Some years ago, I went to hear the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. Marriss Jansons was ill, and was told I could exchange my tickets if I wished. I instead heard the orchestra play for a woman I had never heard of before--Susanna Mälkki. I knew from that evening onward that she would become one of the world's great conductors. Her ability to get simultaneously warmth and transparency out of an orchestra is extraordinary.

[@michaelstearnesstearnes1498]

We were blessed to have her in L.A. as an associate conductor for a couple of years. I can only hope that someday she will return as a guest.

[@michaelpaulsmith4619]

I was going to make a comment myself but you put it so beautifully for me. I shall return to this performance again and again.

[@cosminfaur7318]

Let.s keep the proportions, we are not deaf everybody...

[@thomassiegler9898]

RIP Marriss Jansons 1/14/1943 - 12/1/2019

[@MOGGS1942]

@@thomassiegler9898 I had the great pleasure of seeing the great Maris Janssons conduct the BBC Welsh Symphony Orchestra on numerous occasions. He was a regular guest conductor, and oh how the Welsh audiences loved him. It was a sad day when he left to join the Oslo PO, but that''s what happens with top conductors. An even sadder day when he passed. RIP, Maestro.

[@davkatjenn]

I did not particularly care for Sibelius the first time I heard his work. I gave his work another chance and then another. Finally I was listening because I really wanted to hear every single note and how beautiful it was. I am so happy that I did not give up. I love it.

[@michaelrose8913]

My thoughts exactly... My "first hearing" the Sibelius 2 dates from circa 1967 when INTs were both born and nurtured...... I have become besotted since...with both Sibelius and myINT ...:-)

[@charliekim2939]

Sibelius 2nd has been my favorite among favorites for about 60 yrs. This performance is more special than others. Because it is Finn conductor conducting Finn symphony? I don't know. But, it just sounds - perfect.

[@dennischiapello7243]

I avoided Sibelius for many, many years. It was partly due to my modern-music snobbery, a dislike of the ubiquitous "Finlandia" and (mostly) sheer ignorance. Then I was introduced to the Seventh Symphony, and all that changed. (Well, except for "Finlandia.") I am now slowly but with an open heart making my way through his orchestral works.

[@obliterator789]

The transition from 32:00 to about 34:00 always gets me. Sibelius was an absolute genious.

[@elfillari]

Yeah, me too!

[@elfillari]

What is the transition?

[@fearlessart418]

Everyone's a genius now.

[@aramkhachaturian8043]

@@elfillari third to fourth movement

[@elfillari]

@@aramkhachaturian8043 like "smoke on the water"? Di, di, diii..dii, di-di dii..dii, di-di dii...di, diiiii? Transitions like thirteen times in tweles?

[@dexterhudson9460]

Something I don't think gets discussed enough, the camera work. Really nice job, accompanies the music very well!

[@thomassiegler9898]

Thanks to the Hessischer Rundfunk ! It is an outstanding institution of quality amongst the German Broadcasting Companies. Also the orchestra is the most flexible in the huge German orchestral landscape.

[@horndude77]

I was noticing that as well watching. It's amazingly well done.

[@vidalskyociosen3326]

I guess you have relatives in camera business ?

[@bobmartin7399]

@@vidalskyociosen3326 Just credit where credit is due.

[@keyvanyaser23]

Azmat Kureilly on camera.

[@thedetectivetrader]

What a fantastic symphony. The final is stunning.

[@emi-zx]

Just fell in love with Susanna Mälkki. What a great conductor.

[@Dan474834]

It's too fast. Sub-par performance.

[@joshuachen7926]

@@Dan474834 I find some conductor purposely "playing" the whole orchestra faster. Still wonder the why though.

[@lars7006]

Actually prefer the tighter tempo accentuates the still fresh drama.

[@Killerbee4712]

@@Dan474834 I guess if you say its a sub-par performance than it must be a sub-par performance

[@ArtyFactual_Intelligence]

@@Killerbee4712 Nice sarcasm. I guess gf is just an old mysog. 46 minutes is surely about par for this symphony

[@karajan21]

In this turbulent era, we need this kind of different leadership, clarity with power and so much elegance with perfect balance. I admire her leadership on a orchestra society.

[@Ph.Martin]

Sibelius, one of the most underrated classical genius of the past century.

[@paullewis2413]

Sibelius is anything but underrated. Don’t know where you get this idea from?

[@christophbader3713]

Paul Lewis As a German living in Finnland for years - I would say, that Sibelius is a little underrepresented in the German speaking area. But not at all in Finnland. The British seemed to be crazy about him - allways.

[@logodaedalist]

His second symphony and violin concerto are regularly played all over the world besides some other works

[@paulsomers6048]

@@logodaedalist And his 5th Symphony is quite rightly very popular.

[@pepehaydn7039]

I dont think so. Sibelius is geatly appreciated but in my opinion he should be more appreciated, at least in comparison to Mahler. When I was 16 and I discovered this symphony for the first time I was obsessed with it and could not give up listening to it.

[@brian5154]

Masterclass within a Masterpiece. Never heard/seen, a performance like this. This Finnish lady conductor has Sibelius, the orchestra, the individual players, the clarity, the balance, the knowledge and understanding of Sibelius in her pocket. To get a performance like this out of a German orchestra is a huge achievement; they generally don't like Sibelius because they don't understand him. She does, and she got each player to understand him and to produce the best performance they may have ever given. I am out of superlatives. Brian Netherlands

[@christinathayers1497]

Susanna Mälkki is utterly sublime . I likewise have never seen or heard such a magnificent performance of this beautiful symphony .....my favourite. She has nailed it . The German orchestra look so happy too .

[@jgrab1]

I was thinking the same thing. The clarity and precision (without it being mechanical and unfeeling) are second to none. She should be better known, if this is any indication of her abilities.

[@paulbeard4218]

Frankfurt Radio always pulls through in excellent, strong form .

[@chrissergeant7798]

I wrote my comment and then read yours, and all I can say is, Yep. Chris from Georgia, USA.

[@brian5154]

@@chrissergeant7798 Thanks Chris.

[@user-ph1my7sj4c]

シベリュウス第2番出足が最高です。涙が出ます。

[@chaophray]

Listening to Sibelius after a hiatus of many years, and this symphony reminds me why I was so crazy about him when at uni... this is incredible

[@ClarinetEnthusiast]

My high school played the 4th movement for our UIL concert along side Verdi La Forza Del Destino. I was principal clarinet, and it was my first time getting to play in a full orchestra. It was one of the coolest experiences ever. The finale has a special place in my heart, so many good memories from rehearsals and the performance itself.

[@Rukasepar]

How wonderful to experience a Lady Conductor and to witness that the audience and the musicians are very fond of her. Come back soon, Ms. Mälkki!!!

[@sunsetschaser7749]

A Lady Conductor? 🙄

[@keithramsell9955]

What on earth do you mean? She's a CONDUCTOR, and a good one.

[@onlyme112]

Funny -- I didn't notice that the conductor was a woman until you mentioned it.

[@amberbrown74]

I agree. Her feminism, charm, grace, class, delicacy, and smile add to the emotional effect of this work.

[@IZn0g0uDatAll]

I’ve played several times with Mälki, with several orchestras. Never had a good experience with her and never let a colleague who liked her as a conductor. I think there are some good women conductors out there, but I really am extremely skeptical about SM.

[@hwh1946]

Great performance. Conductor fabulous. The long crescendo in the final movement was the best I have heard. Great Tympani player. Fabulous orchestra.

[@AB-yb1yt]

you never heard Bernstein apparently

[@colinnewton7291]

@@AB-yb1yt I agree

[@alainderuyck3077]

Et puis, il y a la joie visible de cette femme qui dirige, alors cela donne cette merveilleuse interprétation...

[@lrbrenner9636]

@@AB-yb1yt I'm also the biggest fan of Bernstein's Sibelius recordings but honestly this one really blows me away. Also, to have a video and a modern interpretation is so wonderful. I don't think that Bernstein would have much of anything negative to say about this wonderful conductor.

[@de1018]

This is about the finest, most polished version of Sibelius' 2nd that I have ever heard! This is quite badass, indeed!

[@julia-vb1hh]

I could CRY this is one of my favorite symphonies of all time

[@staffanolofsson8201]

Just lucky that you like it. And we can leave the crying to some other time.

[@staffanolofsson8201]

Sorry julia, a very stupid comment from me, this my earlier comment. I also cried this evening about how good this is. And I have given you a thump up.

[@JohnathanJohaisen]

Idk about anyone else but the part at 16:00 is so legendary

[@michaelpaulsmith4619]

I'll return to this magical performance of one of my favourite symphonies again and again. Susanna keeps everything under very tight control and there are moments here which I've never heard before. Magical playing again from my favourite orchestra. Fantastic - and I use the word in its proper sense. Loved it.

[@johnvaughan7096]

My fav orch too Mike

[@davidhonore6452]

Gosh, I love her conducting! Passionate, intelligent, connected and very musical...

[@drisgorilla5382]

and I could actually follow her 😁

[@Discovery_and_Change]

11:28 gentle, quiet part | 12:31 solemn | 16:04 build up | 16:16 dignified | 16:31 heroic | 18:13 beehive | 18:48 solemn | 20:59 build up | 21:36 dignified 21:45 heroic | 25:17 beehive | 29:02 romantic/peaceful flute | 31:48 romantic/peaceful flute | 33:53 romantic climax | 35:39 preview of ending 39:34 romantic climax | 41:39 begin end | 42:55 whirlwind background | 43:32 checkpoint | 45:25 triumph

[@mariocesarsouza3589]

PP

[@norbertodelcp]

La Segunda sinfonía de Sibelius dedicada a su hija que murió con sólo 2 años es magnífica. Está sinfonía nació del corazón, del dolor y de la sensibilidad un genio como Sibelius. Magnífica dirección, magnífico el sonido, magnífica la interpretación. Una maravilla de obra musical que debería de oírse muchísimo más.

[@yubicc]

Omg no sabía eso. Que triste. Que increíble es la gente que puede sacar tanta belleza de su dolor.

[@diopabtaham8954]

que no le sabio tambien (M @ yubico)llastima y lagrimas) pero Juan Sibelius representa una exploracion de la musica comtemporeana con "rules y tegulaciones de la pura musica classica(que era un Frances de origina)y tambien un real amor de la Mujer classica Que soy tambien poquito (v)aripossa me interessa a otra manera de musuca :Suicidal Tendencies(con Rob. Trujillo) y no se de donde viene la resistencia contra (la tendencia de nosotros) :probablamente la posicion de las ijas (que me siento como una real puta madre cuando encontro a la Vaca Bianca/ bulleria y la injusticia de su sangre sobre la tierra 😢poco como el Marco (Marquez en la piel ...) Pero las iijas son caudillas y dicen :"Queda aqui tranquilo Papi!(en la Mierda) Me voy!(Garbine por exemplo...)

[@ScottPalmer-mp1we]

I like Jan Swafford's comment in his classical music guide. He says that the opening of this symphony has a a melody resembling a tune one might find themselves whistling on a fine Autumn day. I definitely agree with that statement. I think Susanna does an excellent job conducting this piece!

[@johnadams4153]

I have been watching a most wonderful performace and Susanna is a great but humble leader I see all most talented performers wishing to be at there best and is inspired by her sincere respect for both the music but the performers and I congregulate you all Thanks Susanna.

[@johnadams4153]

Susanna certainly captures the feel I think that Sibelius had intended for the Symphony and certainly as well the muscians we certainly are in a wonderful place listening and viewing all these wonderful person Thank you all

[@alvarogarciabarbosa3199]

This great symphony along with the first one are those of which are inevitable to stop listening, and listening and listening.....once and again. Sibelius had magic, incredible magic: the themes, the orchestration, all...how to describe it. Outstanding music, outstanding performance!!!!

[@staffanolofsson8201]

The learning of how to love Sibelius is a long road. Living is Sweden I maybe have some preferences but heaven knows? All I can say is that a long life is a benefit, it takes some years to really learn to understand his spelling. But now I am sitting here with this wonderful interpretation, and I just love the fact that I didn´t give it up. So thanks to me and to Susanna Mälkki and to hr-Sinfonieorchestra. We have done a great job.

[@michaelm.meguid1058]

I’m transported back to my adolescence when I had a record player and this was one of 3 LPs I had. It’s magical music then as its now

[@preposterouspianoplaying4307]

I haven't listened to this in 7 months. I just heard a 10 second clip from the fourth movement, and instantly the entire fourth movement comes to my head. A true master piece, one of the best things ever made.

[@catholiccrusader5328]

The finest Sibelius I've ever heard! Great conductor leading a great orchestra; Ms. Malkki's energy is astounding!

[@sjambler]

44:21 - we break through the tops of the clouds to see the sun shining. Marvellous performance. Perfectly controlled climax of the last movement.

[@AnthonyDonnellyTT]

Agreed 100%

[@matthewweflen]

I feel like the sun breaking through the clouds is at 33:05. But yes, very good performance 🙂

[@limin1462]

First symphony I’ve ever been principal for. Was seriously a magical experience

[@yubicc]

You did a hell of a job

[@staffanolofsson8201]

It is a little amusing to make fantasies about all the symphonies you have been principally against. Sorry, no offence.

[@staffanolofsson8201]

Sorry, I meant you limin. Not Mariecc. What symphonies are you principally against? I also have some, but if this is the first you are FOR, then we all wait for an explanation why.

[@Killerbee4712]

@@staffanolofsson8201 You must be being sarcastic... He means principal as in he played in the orchestra and was in the principal position of his section. The principal position is a leader of any section of instruments that has more than 1 of its kind, for example, the cello principal or the violin principal (aka concertmaster). If im missing a joke, rip.

[@staffanolofsson8201]

@@Killerbee4712 Sorry, it is my bad english. I thought this was the only symhony he liked :-) I regret my earlier comment.

[@user-iy6xu8jx2z]

私の時代は、カラヤンの時代でした。喫茶店で、良くききました。レコードで、もう50年前です。聞く度に、感動が沸いてきます。今の時代は、ヘルシンキフィルハーモニーでしょうか？最近の、世界は、わかりません。名曲ですね！

[@xPainProduction]

the build up from 41:45 to 44:25 always gives me goosebumps!

[@user-vh1ed3os4y]

我曾經演奏過，演奏到這部分時，我也是感動不已。

[@elfillari]

Yeah, it's like Polish building his muscles!

[@Tomtom-nj1xz]

این اجرای بسیار زیبا مرا بی نهایت به وجد آورد نمی‌توانم از دیدن دوباره و چندباره آن خودداری کنم هربار بیش از بار پیش به هیجان می آیم. سوزانا چنان با توانایی، با احساس، با اشتیاق، محترمانه، و در عین حال نرم ، ملایم و با فروتنی شگرف ارکستر را رهبری می کند که شادی و اشتیاق به اوج همکاری را در چهره هر یک از نوازندگان میتوان دید. این اجرا به قدری بر قلبم اثر می گذارد که گویی به پرواز در آمده ام و نمی توانم احساس و اندیشه ام را با واژه ها بیان کنم . سوزانا به گونه‌ای نقش خود را ایفا می‌کند که گویی همه موزیک در مغز او نواخته می شود و از تمام وجودش به بیرون می تراود و فروغ آن بر اعضای ارکستر و تماشاگران می تابد. برای او بهترینها را آرزو می کنم، تندرستی کامیابی ، زندگی آرام و شاد، و خوشبختی کامل برای خودش و عزیزانش.

[@JeffOates]

I am in awe of Sibelius and other composers (Vaughan Williams, Elgar, Holst) like him. The thing that amazes me about all of them is that they hear this inside their head. Majestic work.

[@amberbrown74]

I just love seeing a female conductor, not in relation to any feminist movement, but rather as a different passionate representation of the piece. Her smile, delicate gestures, grace, class, and composure are beautiful additions to this work.

[@carl-gunnarhillefors7612]

I do concurre, Lady! She fills her function quite well and as good as a n y male consertmaster! Sibelius is though very quick temperament o shifting in tempo!

[@tj-co9go]

I don't care about the gender, race, age etc. any other external characteristic of the conductor, even if it is good to have variety in the kinds of people who play music. I didnt even notice who conducted, I was so concentrated and enthralled by the music. Only thing I am concerned with is how good they conduct. And in this case, it is excellent.

[@dabedwards]

What a great interpretation. That second movement can seem very long and meandering, but here the conductor gets the majestic architecture just right --- starting at a very slow pace and building all the time.

[@robertwhite2628]

Around 70 years ago, my grandparents first met amongst the throngs during a performance of Jean Sibelius’ 2nd Symphony. They caught one another humming along. Ten years ago I sat between them during a Hallé performance of the 2nd. Today I am spending a rainy Saturday writing in my grandma's memory for her funeral next week. The opening line of this performance set me off straight away. Three people who gave me my life, and a wonderfully moving symphony.

[@lilalola33]

Wie schön das ist dass wir in Deutschland so viele großartige Orchester haben !!!!

[@hans-detlevv.kirchbach2787]

Und hoffentlich können sie auch bald wieder vor vollen Sälen auftreten.

[@wishingonthemoon1]

This has to be one of the best interpretations out there. Sooo glad that final movement wasn’t too slow. I feel like so many performances of this symphony have been germanized, with bombacity and much too much rubato. The clarity, nuance, and pace of this is just spot on.

[@maarcin1974]

Totally agree in what regards the finał movement. Having listened to several performances of Sibelius' Second symphony, I reached coclusion that it takes a Finn to perform it impeccably...

[@de1018]

Your comment is old, yet so true and profound in a manner so elegant (1 paragraph or less!) that I felt compelled to reply! Very excellent summary...most excellent, for sure!

[@wishingonthemoon1]

@@de1018 thanks!

[@1basteele]

I know nothing of the musician's craft but am truly enchanted by the emotional magic that an orchestra like this can create. The sound is generated by physical action but the effect goes way way beyond and can move into a spiritual dimension. It is quite wonderful and I think myself lucky to be so affected.

[@user-uc8vh5lv6o]

今まで聴いた数多くのシベリウスの演奏とは全く何だったのかなあと思わせる最高に演奏です。格調が高く、深い内省的な美しさに溢れて、シベリウスがこれほど素晴らしい曲と初めて知りました。

[@user-dk6xy2ex1c]

曲の冒頭からフィナーレまで、魅了された！オーケストラも一流だが、この大好きな名曲を再確認させてくれた指揮には感動した！ありがとう！

[@jason101other]

This is one of the truly great symphonies of all time being played by one of the truly greatest orchestras in the world.

[@ChrisBreemer]

A terrific performance of one of the greatest of all symphonies. I was a little wary at first, finding the 1st mvt slowish and somewhat lacking in rhythmical vitality, and the 2nd mvt slow to the point of being soporific. But any doubt was dispelled by the 3rd and 4th mvts, which are spot-on and as good as any I’ve heard, and then some. Especially the final mvt where the tension is ratcheted up mercilessly culminating in a awesome coda. This great orchestra impresses me more every time I hear it, and Malkki is evidently a conductor who knows what she wants and where to get it. Her prim and elegant conducting is a joy to watch, and her many winning smiles show she enjoys it immensely. She deserves to be in the top league, and will get there for sure.

[@Foss-px3pg]

Your soporific is other people's sadness, meditation, longing, striving.

[@ESilva-gw9ig]

Wonderful rendition in every way. Susanna Mälkki's conduction is superlative and the orchestra responds accordingly. It is such a pleasure to see a lady on the podium.

[@fearlessart418]

Your malapropisms are superlative.

[@mspelleri]

I love this so much. It's one of my go-to pieces while working. Some parts actually give me chills. This and Finlandia both.

[@GairBear49]

WOW, What a performance! She reminded me a little bit of Bernstein at the Podium. Her tempos were fast but not too fast and slow but not too slow. Great playing by the orchestra, first rate. Hope she does more Sibelius. There can never be enough great Sibelius conductors.

[@AB-yb1yt]

no, the tempo is too fast!

[@paulusaurelius6563]

Sorry-Bernstein was a cowboy composer, not a conductor. I have personally witnessed Vienna Philharmonic 'conducting' Bernstein, letting him monkeying conducting on the podium. The previous day, the same musicians were closely following Carl Boehm's eyes and movements.

[@user-xv4xk7ph9o]

@@paulusaurelius6563 Bernstein not a conductor? Have you ever listened to him conducting Mahler's symphonies?

[@paulusaurelius6563]

Affirmative. Unfortunately. If only Mahler knew...

[@thomassiegler9898]

@@paulusaurelius6563 He was buried with the score of Mahler V on his chest - and rightfully so! He taught the Wiener Philharmoniker to love Mahler from their first despise.

[@staffanolofsson8201]

Susanna Mälkki is so good in showing the orchestra her intentions in this Sibelius Second, and this wonderful orchestra follows her gladly. Together they make this symphony a shining star with clarity and depth.

[@marialeysen2030]

MARVELOUS‼️‼️‼️💥

[@chrissergeant7798]

I love hearing a symphony new to my ears and heart. This performance is amazing and the sound coming from my stereo and the orchestral performance is just like being there. The Frankfurt Radio Symphony recording engineers do an amazing job. I have never heard of the conductor, Susanna Malkki, but I bet, she must be Finnish. The brass, strings, percussion, woodwinds, man, they just blew me away! Thank you KZbin and The Frankfurt Radio Symphony and Jean Sibelius for sharing such awesome art and preserving our precious Civilization.

[@thomassiegler9898]

Indeed the *hr* (Hessischer Rundfunk) is known as the artistically highest in quality Broadcasting Systems all over Germany, both acoustically and optically. Just follow the camera work and you see what I mean. My brother-in-law was lucky to spend half of his working life as a tonmeister in that institution (the other half being the "Deutsche Grammophon"). The hr-Sinfonieorchester aka "Frankfurt Radio Symphony" is the finest in versatility in the whole rich German orchestral landscape, when it comes to the interpretation of not so common works. Founded in 1929 as the "Frankfurter Rundfunk-Symphonie-Orchester", they premiered works of Arnold Schönberg, directed by Anton Webern (Radio at the time was something really modern, and a station having an own orchestra was yet unheard off). So they where used to new stuff from their very beginning. Other than the Violin-Concerto, Sibelius still is not so familiar to the German ear. Susanna Mälkki was a new discovery today for me as well, and yes indeed, she is a compatriot of Sibelius. de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Susanna_M%C3%A4lkki I adored the glances she exchanged with - at times - single members of the orchestra (and of course the sonic result) and I LOVED the boyish smile of the young concertmaster at the very end. All in all: Best rendition EVER !!!

[@chrissergeant7798]

@@thomassiegler9898 Thank you for the information. Keep listening, my friend.

[@1947gaetano]

Che Orchestra meravigliosa,che Finale di una bellezza e potenza cosmica !

[@valeriechapman1612]

Jean Sibelius Symphony No. 2 This piece of music is so easy to listen to and enjoy. I only heard it today and wanted to listen to it again. Sibelius has composed many delightful pieces of music and this one is no exception. Well done, A true maestro in my opinion.

[@sthrwars]

This is the most moving performance of Sibelius 2nd I've ever seen and listened to! Susanna Mälkki has really moved forward and beyond the expectations of witnessing such magnificence. The climax of this symphony was the most profound experience that classical music has evoked on me so far. (Having Sibelius 2nd Symphony as my favorite, I may sound biased saying this, although that shouldn't discredit anyone's amazement). For the conductor, the musicians, the video producers (that have captured so beautiful and well-timed images), my many thanks from Brazil.

[@VallaMusic]

i agree - a Sibelius 2nd that is second 2 none !

[@anandsamuel1978]

The magnitude of Classical Music is so large that an ocean is not enough to explore the glory of this incredible and noble music! 5 centuries on the amazing glory of Classical Music survive against the garbage of today's music! This is an outstanding symphony 2 by Sibelius and performed remarkably well!

[@staffanolofsson8201]

Anand, even if I am a classical music lover, I have to protest against your words "the garbage of today´s music". As I see it, it is not only garbage, I find music in this garbage that I like. And history will sort this out. And you dont have to answer me, I already know what I like. Best wishes!

[@christophbreitenbach4112]

You are right if you mean with garbage: rock, pop and jazz.

[@thesceptic1018]

Thank goodness for this - it seems even more important in these times

[@frankfiello7904]

3rd time watching/listening to this. Enjoy Sibelius, the conductor and the orchestra so much.

[@ToastedCigar]

18:40 starts one of my favourite moments in music, ever

[@paulwilson4738]

I am an American with no blood roots in Finland, but I always feel like a Finn when I witness this thoroughly wonderful, fulsome piece, and the tears always well up to such this God-given Sibelius, and this superb group of performers, too!

[@feraudyh]

IMHO his last symphony is his best.

[@anjagoller]

@@feraudyh He deleted it, so how do you know how it sounds?

[@feraudyh]

@@anjagoller Aha, you got me. I was thinking of his last published symphony: the 7th.

[@anjagoller]

@@feraudyh It's always fun to write comments like this... :D

[@feraudyh]

@@anjagoller If I remember right he burned his attempts at a last symphony, right?

[@vincegiles9516]

Thank you Sibelius! And thank you Sinfonieorchester.

[@ramywiles]

The sheer resonance of this piece is unreal.

[@bomcabedal]

Great performance, orchestra, direction and ... audience, who allow for a bit of a breather before erupting in (well-deserved) applause.

[@davebarclay4429]

We should definitely thank the audience - no applause between the movements, hardly any coughing, nothing to distract from the glorious music-making.

[@notaire2]

Wunderschöne Aufführung dieser großartigen Sinfonie mit milden Töne aller Holzbläser, seidigen Töne aller Streicher und, vor allem, brillanten Töne aller Metallbläser. Die geniale Dirigentin leitet das ausgezeichnete Orchester im gut phrasierten Tempo mit effektiv kontrollierter Dynamik. Echt bewundernswert!

[@user-ci1cb3ds4w]

Volltreffer!-)))

[@notaire2]

Danke!

[@notaire2]

Stimmt. Echt super!

[@staffanolofsson8201]

I have so many superlatives for the conductor Susanna Mälkki after listening to this over and over, I shall not bother you with all of them, let me just say that I find it a joy to look at her in front of this wonderful orchestra. Greetings from Sweden, and a happy new 2021!

[@oliverkubiak6310]

It was stunning. She knows the piece so well...

[@staffanolofsson8201]

And? You know she is from Finland, the same country as Sibelius. So for me it isn´t peculiar if she knows this very well. Still I like your comment: stunning.

[@oliverkubiak6310]

@@staffanolofsson8201 She performed such a splendid interpretation of this piece that even the Berlin philharmonics invited her to play it with them. I didnt want to imply that she only "knows" the piece in and out but of course made it shine as golden as It should be.

[@staffanolofsson8201]

@@oliverkubiak6310 Thank you. I am also a fan, as you...

[@ArtyFactual_Intelligence]

She went to Finnish-ing School in Helsinki...... What do you expect?

[@oliverkubiak6310]

@@ArtyFactual_Intelligence let's bow down before Jorma Panula... :)

[@mikeos1]

The first symphony I ever bought on vinyl, and still one of my favourites.

[@ArtyFactual_Intelligence]

Malcolm Sargent ????

[@mikeos1]

@@ArtyFactual_Intelligence No it was the Vienna Phil. Can't remember the conductor.

[@sanfordson2551]

One of my favorite symphonies.

[@r.m.pereira5958]

One of my favorite pieces ever, if not the most favorite. Goosebumps all over and that finale always brings me to tears! Amazing performance, on spot!

[@Jivanmuktishu]

Played this 2-1/2 times. (love the long finale).

[@xavierbordes1373]

Madame Mälkki a dirigé cette symphonie avec une expressivité remarquable. Une magnifique version de la 2ème, avec une compréhension en profondeur du texte musical. Vraiment superbe, j'admire. Le public semble avoir à juste titre beaucoup apprécié cette réussite. C'est mérité.

[@staffanolofsson8201]

I have this favourite on a record, but listening and looking at this I become aware of what I have been missing. The nearness of a conductor, an orchestra, a public. And the nearness of a wonderful interpretation. It is almost as I was sitting in the 5:th row, listening to this. Yes, you can always imagine...

[@staffanolofsson8201]

It is so many motives and tematas in this Sibelius second that I think Sibelius at that time was in contact with a magic well! And I think many of the motives can be heard also in his later works. It is an adenture to listen to this, with this phenomenal orchestra and conductor.

[@user-ll4wh1gh6k]

スザンナ先生、とても気品に満ちたステージでの指揮のお姿素晴らしいです。 日本にもご来訪下さいね❤❤❤

[@andrewvincenti2664]

Brava -superb - thank you for posting

[@hansybits]

It is absolutely one off the best performances! Thank you so much.

[@mikeburt5667]

Fantastic ! Such a great performance as always from this wonderful orchestra. I'm so very thankful to be able to watch this on KZbin. Thanks ever so much for posting these. It's a real treat to be able to watch & revisit many times over. Just super !

[@goscott444]

_What a delight to see Ms. Makki, so graceful beyond compare. Totally in love with her performers! I'm surly not a fan of Sibelius, but is there a better place to start than this Sinfonie? Blessings in the name of GOD to all performs! 😍_

[@jazzpianoman1978]

What an outstanding Performance!!

[@AnthonyDonnellyTT]

Superb performance. Sharp, crisp, beautifully balanced with superb accentuation right through. I've been listening to Sibelius for over 30 years and, in my humble opinion, this performance is right up there with the very, (very) best I've ever heard. The tempi are perfect and the finale is pure gold. Some renditions come across as 'laboured'; not this amazing performance. Honour is due.

[@MyPaulocorrea]

Great performance! A beautiful conductor!

[@matzek.9119]

Ich liebe Sibelius. Die 2. Sinfonie ist eine der schönsten Sinfonien überhaupt. Super Orchester und super Dirigentin. Top Klang! Ich kenne fast keinen anderen Komponisten mit mehr Pathos! Speziell ab Minute 45:25 möchte ich behaupten, dass es wohl das Schönste ist, was je komponiert wurde!

[@staffanolofsson8201]

Ich auch.

[@52Ivan53]

Brilliant performance of a magnificent work. Very moving - no one built to peaks like Sibelius. Bravos all around - not forgetting the timpanist! Also beautifully filmed.

[@timidlove]

Prokofiev 3

[@lebu2006]

What an awesome version, for the fabulous Orchestra and the Extraordinary Conductor ❤🎉

[@seamusandpat]

What a wonderful conductor and fabulous sound from the orchestra. Thank you both.

[@frankfiello7904]

Beautiful, very emotional performance.

[@bartjebartmans]

One of the best pizzicati I have heard.

[@jimjudkins1715]

Bravo! Susanna Mälkki beautifully captures the intensity of this piece.

[@HappyG1lmor488]

You NAILED this. I think this is the best recording of Sibelius 2 I’ve ever heard. Karajan rushed through it and ruined the mood. You nailed what Sibelius had in mind in my opinion

[@alanross712]

Perfection, exceptional, and honesty from the conductor throughout.

[@danybaychere5949]

Bravo Madame Mälkki! Cette symphonie est admirablement interprétée! Je connais particulièrement les oeuvres de Sibelius pour avoir donné des conférences sur le sujet vous rendez admirablement la puissance de l'oeuvre sans en faire trop! Bravo à vous et à l'orchestre! C'est un moment de pur bonheur!

[@malcolmpalmer]

Wonderful performance of one of the greatest of all symphonies

[@joaoeduardoscanavinidavatz8406]

Was für eine hervorragende Aufführung! ❤️

[@rolandduval3414]

Œuvre sublime qu'est cette symphonie no 2 et interprétation magistrale sous la direction d'une très grande. Dame.

[@jamescolahan9023]

Frankfurt symphony is marvelous to hear Sibelius 2nd Symphony.

[@bcing75]

Amazing work...and such grandeur and triumph at the end. Beautiful.

[@kebo5540]

Wonderful performance by an excellent orchestra! My favorite symphony.

[@davidbjrndameson5933]

Chills down the spine... Sibelius, an unmatched genius.

[@grahamwilliams8926]

What a spectacular performance! A great conductor!

[@heliumargon]

Wow, what an amazing performance. Great to see when a conductor can really energize an orchestra.

[@manoel7380]

Amazing performance of my favourite symphony from one of my favourite composers!