Sibelius: Lemminkäinen ∙ hr-Sinfonieorchester ∙ Jukka-Pekka Saraste

[@jamesoboe7826]

Congrats to Michael Höfele on cor anglais. Not only does he deliver a moving and beautifully round-toned Swan of Tuonela, but he does so after playing 2nd oboe in the long 1st mvt, and then cor in the huge slow mvt, all before then working his way through the tiring, taxing and lonely Swan solo. Not an easy task by any standards. Normally, if orchestras perform the whole Lemminkainen Suite, the cor player asks for a third player to play all the 2nd oboe mvts, and that the big adagio is played after the Swan mvt to help ensure the cor anglais player is not too tired before the 9 minute long solo begins.

[@Choongulrich]

Completely agree ❤

[@Choongulrich]

And Jose tooooo

[@staffanolofsson8201]

The Swan of Tuonela is a symbol for death, and when Lemminkäinen has escaped its grip he is very happy.

[@late8641]

Greetings from Finland! You can imagine my excitement when such an amazing orchestra decides to play Sibelius and even invites a Finnish conductor! Thank you, Frankfurt Radio Symphony for this 50-minute dose of absolute thrill!

[@staffanolofsson8201]

You also have amazing orchestras in Finland, says a swede.

[@englishrose47]

The Swan of Tuonela is one of the most beautiful pieces of music ever written

[@richardhyde5997]

The performance of this Sibelius masterpiece with conductor Saraste and the Frankfurt Radio Symphony is as good as it gets.

[@rekavarga9480]

My favorite music of my favorite composer. The orchestra and Jukka-Pekka Saraste are brilliants. The other name of this piece: "The four finnish legends." Sibelius is so unique and talented, he remains the first in my heart forever. And these Legends are absolutely No1., this composition reflects the incredible deepness and complexity of Sibelius' art. He can touch the core of soul and fload the mind. Jean Sibelius is a genius. The greatest one. ❤

[@staffanolofsson8201]

Agreed. And the Lämminkäinen Suite is based on the finnish epos Kalevala, a sort of spoken traditional story, that was uptaken and written down by Elias Lönnrot during the 19:th century, as a result of the national romantic era. Sibelius was of course inspired by this very finnsh saga, and used it as a motif in his music.

[@jonrutherford6852]

The music of J. Sibelius, in particular this suite, impressed me at age 17 or 18, and continues to do so -- even more -- now almost seventy years later. I'm surprised (or am I?) that it's not programmed more often. Psychological depths here -- maybe a little intimidating for many "modern" listeners.

[@lessismore4470]

I'm sure the Finns are proud of Sibelius. They should be. He is so powerful but also delicate.

[@late8641]

We are, he's pretty much our national hero.

[@ursularissmann-telle4000]

However, Sibelius himself hardly spoke Finnish but Swedish. The Finnish nation did not exist at the time of his birth.

[@staffanolofsson8201]

Perhaps the finest version of Lemminkäinen I ever heard. Jukka-Pekka Saraste has for sure the grip of this finnish music. With his relatively fast tempo in the first movement he puts this music on fire, and it is still burning when Lemminkäinen is in Tuonela. The swan puts this fire to and end, temporarily, but when Lemminkäinen is on his way homeward the whole forest behind him is burning.

[@PaoloPrete]

An orchestra with an impeccable sound, always in tune, perfectly synchronized and made up of excellent professionals. A very careful direction so that everything sounds perfect but, overall, the music often sounds flat, without tension and without exaltation. In the end there is something that ruins everything and it is difficult to say what it is but I recommend listening to Oramo's interpretation at the head of the Berlin Philharmonic to really understand how to make this masterpiece by Sibelius alive, poignant, fiery and mysterious

[@jeffcharles5858]

This is just very simply the best Sibelius I have ever heard. Stunning, outstanding! THe Swan of Tuonela was the finest interpretaion, and matches my own in my head. Kudos to Cello and Oboe, and Tympani - and not to leave out the perfect Tambourine work. Horns were superb. Thank you for this!

[@ForeverFall]

They might never see this comment, but they really have to play Sibelius' "The Wood Nymph". It's such an epic piece.

[@caginn]

Also En Saga! Fantastic early piece.

[@geronimo6377]

@@caginn I agree. Maybe i prefer a little bit more the original version of En Saga. Osmo Vänskä recorded this with the Lahti Symphony Orchestra on the BIS-Label.

[@staffanolofsson8201]

My personal favourite is the mystic "The Bard" op 64 kzbin.info/www/bejne/eai1d5yqYpd1qcU

[@paullewis2413]

The Wood Nymph is wonderful, cannot understand why it was not played for such a long period.

[@bernardverner4743]

Tout à fait d'accord et de plus on en retrouve quelques mesures dans cette suite orchestrale ! ''The Wood Nymph'' est d'une be auté à couper le souffle.

[@piccypost3735]

This has got to be the finest performance I have ever heard of this suite. Congratulations to everyone in the orchestra, and to Maestro Saraste. He looked well pleased with everyone at the end of the concert, and well he might! As for Michael Hofele's cor anglais solo in The Swan of Tuonela I simply melted.....

[@markovelikonja5399]

I love this suite; really it's another Sibelius symphony. Lemmenkainen's return is one of the most stirring things ever. This should be standard rep.

[@luukashiltunen-musician]

A passage starting at 24:22 is incredibly beautiful in its simplicity, a reminiscent of Finnish folk music! ❤️ Sibelius really knew how to combine the art music and folk music. Beautifully performed with sincere reading of the score by Saraste. Touches me every time. Kudos to all!

[@rosernabona9364]

Sibelius es ........beautiful , escoltar.ho ❤

[@leonardodiversifolia1751]

That was amazing. I didn't know this music. It kept me sonically fascinated. The orchestra played magnificently!!! Five thumbs up!

[@Oboecoffee]

Michael Höfele is an amazing musician! He plays The swan of Tuonela so beautiful. Congratulations

[@Richard-b5r9v]

Salonen is another one of my favourite Finnish conductors

[@PaoloPrete]

An orchestra with an impeccable sound, always in tune, perfectly synchronized and made up of excellent professionals. A very careful direction so that everything sounds perfect but, overall, the music often sounds flat, without tension and without exaltation. In the end there is something that ruins everything and it is difficult to say what it is but I recommend listening to Oramo's interpretation at the head of the Berlin Philharmonic to really understand how to make this masterpiece by Sibelius alive, poignant, fiery and mysterious

[@extrasalt4595]

Marvelous performance, which plumbs the very depth of this work. 'The Swan of Tuonela' is as beautiful is I have ever heawrd it. Hoomeyow!!

[@jandrewscali]

I love Sibelius. I love this orchestra. I love the cor anglais. Such a moving performance. Bravo!

[@navaneethakrishnans1299]

Stupendous rendition, without doubt hr symphony is greatest. I bow to the conductor and all the artists for their excellent performance.

[@algo3766]

Magnifique prestation du cor anglais ! Bravo Michael Höfele et à l'ensemble de l'orchestre et de son dirigent. Großartiger Auftritt des Englischhorns! Gut gemacht, Michael Höfele und an das gesamte Orchester und seinen Dirigenten.

[@jeffwatkins352]

This is the piece which introduced me to Sibelius in a meaningful way, i.e. outside the ubiquitous Finlandia. Though no shade there. It's lovely. Yet this delightfully passionate tone poem is such a broader window into that remarkable soul. Next to the 7th Symphony, it remains my favorite Sibelius piece. This is a wonderful performance, too.

[@normanmeharry58]

Sib considered his 4 legends a symphony... and if Nielsen's 4 Temperaments is his 2nd symphony, then fair dos.

[@mateuszfandri8086]

Magnificent piece composed by a music giant! And how well executed by one of the finest orchestras in Europe. Marvellous! I hear it for the first time today as a whole Suite. I am astonished how Sibelius creates this mythical landscape. He does not only illustrate the story with instrumental colours but also depicts psychological depth of heroes chosen as a topic of his symphonic poems. This is indeed true poetry and drama.

[@bryangl1]

One of the finest orchestras in Europe ?, certainly! But I would extend the boundaries of comparison more widely -- a body of musicians to be counted among the world's finest. Which would explain why the orchestra consistently attracts conductors able to exploit the talents at hand, producing unmatched performances such as the Sibelius here. No, I haven't forgotten the wonderful (there, I finally used that overworked superlative) guidance from Maestro (another overworked qualifier, I'm afraid), Saraste. Look for many other great performances, under this, and other, team captains. Or, simply ignore the oratory - just sit back and be transported by beautiful music.

[@Fafner888]

Kudos for programming the complete suite! and an excellent performance to boot.

[@cesarlorenzetti2133]

Bravo Maestro Saraste.

[@Richard-b5r9v]

Timpanist Lars Rapp is such a forcefull player and thus so confident

[@windstorm1000]

Its like mythic hero Lemminkinen himself composed this. Seems beyond human thought....Sibelius seems be channeling the myth core and landscape itself. Great performance of this organic myth landscape score

[@jayq6867]

Absolutely spectacular! Extraordinary and magnificent composition and the performance is brilliant in every way. Blessings and highest praise to all.

[@ДмитрийКоростелев-н3в]

Brilliant performance! Cannot listen to other orchestras after your sound. And perfect Sibelius, all symphonies and orchestral pieces. Cannot waiting for Sixth symphony!

[@waynelutton4634]

BRAVO!!! Super performance! Great composition, fine conductor experienced in Sibelius, great orchestra and fine audio-visuals. Thanks for posting, Frankfurt Radio Symphony.

[@migueltalaverahernandez7042]

Bravo por Jean SIBELIUS, Magnifica música programática, Conductor Jukka-Pekka SARASTE preciso en su dirección, Buenísima interpretación como siempre de la sinfónica Frankfurt Radio, os animo a suscribiros al canal de la orquesta.

[@michaelschonauer7238]

This piece is mesmerizing.... unfamiliar... hauntingly beautiful in places.

[@richardjohns8617]

Sibelius's music moves me 😅like no other. It is elemental: it contains the spirit of Finland: its land, Air, Fire, and Water😅

[@geronimo6377]

Very good performance of Sibelius' early masterpiece. Thank you to the orchestra and the conductor.

[@joaoeduardoscanavinidavatz8406]

Einfach hervorragend.

[@MegaVicar]

Marvelous! Bravo, especially for the English horn-player!

[@Drdpkmd]

The best performance by the English horn, my favorite instrument.

[@chrissergeant7798]

Wow. I have listened to this performance three times. Through headphones or my stereo, it is truly amazing.

[@prabhudhasivanson7110]

Thanks for this excellent presentation.

[@diogenesmenotti2169]

Es la primera vez que escucho a esta maravilla; no tengo palabras para describirla, la única que se le puede acercar es "sublime"

[@mariabelloc]

¡Apoteósico! ¡Felicitaciones! Al director y a todos los músicos. Ojalá publicaran los nombres de los mismos. Saludos a la distancia y gracias por compartir el video.

[@richardbrown1189]

Wonderful performance and a great recording. So nice to have the spontaneity of a live performance without constant shuffling and coughing spoiling it.

[@marccaroul4123]

The sound of the horn from 6:38-6:50 gives me the chills. Almost sounds like an alto or bass flute. Spectacular effect. Bravo on the entire performance

[@batifolage4238]

Magnifique (tout: interprétation, direction, captation, politique de l'orchestre qui laisse libre de visionnage. merci tout le monde 💛)

[@Discovery_and_Change]

(Sibelius 2 Theme) 0:03 1st movement (skip) | 9:53 | 16:02 2nd movement | 18:36 (Malipiero) | 19:49 theme | 22:37 theme | 27:40 mysterious | 28:35 theme 30:51 3rd movement | 31:02 quiet discovery | 36:21 drum soft | 39:06 4th movement |

[@Rwsegee]

Most excellent, Thank You.

[@Thomasliszt21]

Magnífico!

[@agripinacrasso5114]

Excelente! Gracias .

[@joaojacobberberineto4174]

Orquestra maravilhosa e magnifica interpretação ! Bravíssimo!

[@Scream2you83]

... bestens ... !!!

[@MiScusi69]

This is clearly one of the best orchestras ever! So sad that the Alte Oper was destroyed by the Allies, but this really shows how strong and tenacious the Germans are!

[@pablopradera4465]

Sorry?

[@MiScusi69]

@@pablopradera4465 No problem.

[@paullewis2413]

Thanks for the upload. Wonderful work by my favourite composer (along with Berlioz). Great playing, great conducting, great sound. Having said that however, as good as this is (and it is very, very good) Ormandy’s 1970’s recording with the Philadelphia orchestra remains for me the finest interpretation of all but this runs a very close second 😊

[@notaire2]

Wunderschöne und detaillierte Aufführung dieser spätromantischen und nordisch komponierten Suite mit farbenreichen doch perfekt entsprechenden Tönen aller Instrumente. Der dritte Satz klingt besonders schön und echt melodisch. Der intelligente und geniale nordische Dirigent leitet das ausgezeichnete deutsche Orchester im veränderlichen Tempo und mit künstlerisch kontrollierter Dynamik. Wunderbar und tiefempfunden zugleich!

[@dieterhaller3337]

Hm, warum kommt mir dieser Kommentar so bekannt vor?

[@notaire2]

@@dieterhaller3337 Schuldigung! Eine Art Kastenkommentar ist mein gewöhnlicher Stil.

[@staffanolofsson8201]

Dear notarie2. Even if your comments are all in the same style it is nice to read them. Continue to write them!

[@TheStockwell]

​@@dieterhaller3337It's the same "review in a can" repeated over and over. The only change is naming the type of work - and pasting it to the beginning. It's lazy, generic, and unimaginative writing - but harmless. Best wishes from Vermont 🍁

[@giancitton2604]

Lemminkäinen-Suite op. 22 (Si ispira all'epopea finnica di Lemminkäinen descritta nel Kalevala.) 4 Legende per Orchestra - ∙Composizione: 1895 (revisione 1897, inoltre i nn. 1 e 2 1939, i nn. 3 e 4 1900) 1- Lemminkäinen e le fanciulle dell'isola - Allegro assai (mi bemolle maggiore) 2- Lemminkäinen in Tuonela - Largamente (fa diesis minore) 3- Il cigno di Tuonela - Andante molto sostenuto (la minore) 4- Il ritorno di Lemminkäinen - Allegro con fuoco (do minore)

[@vangel1443]

Amazing performance!!!

[@perlastella10]

No Sibelius without Maestro Saraste

[@stephenjablonsky1941]

From the very first chord you know this is going to be first class Sibelius.

[@normanmeharry58]

This is a good performance. But the Return is the finale and must astonish with that ending. The one recording that leaves me breathless is one off an old HMV sampler disc,1969. Barbirolli conducting amomgst others. . I wore it out, just that track.

[@maartenpietersmamusic]

Magnificent

[@pianistegolfeur]

Excellente vidéo de ce concert pour une oeuvre rarement inscrite au répertoire, mais une direction un peu raide et guindée.

[@achenarmyst2156]

Als Amateur-Orchesterspieler gefällt mir Sarastes Dirigierstil, sehr prägnant-exakt und nur minimal vorschlagend.

[@zerokelviin938]

perfect 👌

[@PhilippeBrun-qy3st]

Splendide..! Merci.

[@vanessabenedict]

❤

[@bloodwrage]

24:00

[@oolongii]

44:05 ♥️

[@megabugginout]

So, this automatically comes on while I am cooking and I could have sworn this was a French piece. Namely Ravel. Reminds me vaguely of Daphnis and Chole.

[@erlandhagegardofficial]

❤❤

[@paulomeyer3900]

👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@Artislife-x4r]

In my country we are far from having a composer like Sibelius.

[@bloodwrage]

28:00 It says his name on his bowtie haha

[@rosernabona9364]

Sibelius , i , Mahler c ,est pareil ❤

[@MrShovelBottom]

8:00

[@hermanberger1595]

Ich mag am liebsten die Finnlandia

[@INTERpEST]

🫠

[@masterfnh7597]

The only acceptable performance of this work is the one by the Vienna Philharmonics and Franz Welser-Möst in Helsinki

[@stephenjablonsky1941]

I am sure that Jukka is a very fine musician. It is only unfortunate that he never learned to conduct correctly. Sadly, he is not alone in this.

[@perlastella10]

What???????

[@stephenjablonsky1941]

@@perlastella10 He is holding a baton but not using it correctly. He is beating with his hand but the beat should be at the tip of the baton. Watch Toscanini and you will see what I mean.

[@leo32190]

Glad to see Paul McCartney shifting into classical music in the late stages of his career