Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 43
King Christian II (Suite), Op. 27

This is a highly captivating new recording of the Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 43 by Jean Sibelius (1865-1957), the one of all seven of his symphonies arguably considered a favorite by many. It's performed by the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra under the direction of their recently appointed Chief Conductor Santtu-Matias Rouvali, a young Finnish maestro who is making waves in the music world and quickly establishing a name for himself. Of their recording of the Symphony No. 1 critics wrote: "this is one terrific disc" (Gramophone) and "it is all gripping, and there are touches that delight" (MusicWeb International). I'm confident that you will see the same reaction to this one.

My personal perspective of Sibelius is that of a composer less systematic, punctilious or methodical than most other antecedent composers, and even some that followed him. He seems to apply a more instinctive and organic technique when writing. Thematic ideas and key motivic cells see their genesis from one another rather than originate from the same nucleus (a Mahler symphony for example whose final moments are already envisioned within its first pages). It is believed that the inspiration behind this symphony was caused by political turmoil at the time, and that it was time Finland experienced a major upheaval to liberate itself from Russian control. If that's the case than what I hear in this music makes perfect sense. From the first tentative rustling of a brook in springtime, through troubled waters as the river expands, which inexorably leads to a vast ocean, sailed upon by mighty Viking ships. What drives home that impression for me in this recording is how conductor Santtu-Matias Rouvali, during the final moments when the stoic and heroic struggle moves ever forward, shifts your attention to the powerful ascending and descending undertow of the ocean (nation) moving the fleet forward. There are several instances throughout the whole work where Rouvali sheds light on otherwise overlooked orchestral textures and colors.

And as always with the Alpha label the audio recording is impressive. Over the years I've heard many Alpha recordings and none have disappointed. It seems they bring extra care to every project they embark on which manifests itself in the end results. There's even a great color photo of the orchestra inside the booklet that spans two pages. I would highly recommend this recording to all Sibelius veterans and newcomers alike.