*** This title is a reissue of a Japanese release with liner notes in Japanese. ***

This CD, drawn from the Japanese Ormandy edition, makes a strong claim for the attention of all Sibelians.

Eugene Ormandy's Sony recording of the First Symphony (last available on Essential Classics coupled to Bernstein's equally outstanding Fifth Symphony) is unequalled for Romantic opulence, even extending to some retouching in the final chords (extra harp). This remake adds a couple of cymbal crashes in the first movement and diddles a few other textural details besides, but otherwise is a touch grimmer, with aptly gruff brass playing and less emphasis on the harp and strings, especially in the finale's Tchaikovsky-style big tune. It's still an outstanding performance by any measure, and well worth having, particularly if you can't get the earlier Sony recording.

This is Ormandy's only recording of the Karelia Overture, and it's marvelous--fresh and vibrant with (as usual) terrific string playing. The Suite is better than Ormandy's previous Sony recording, more atmospherically recorded and played with just a touch more gusto. The concluding Alla marcia builds to a very satisfying climax. Ormandy's moderate tempo seems just right here, and as just suggested, the engineering is better than many other RCA Philadelphia recordings. In sum, this "on demand" production from Arkivmusic.com, drawn from the Japanese Ormandy edition, makes a strong claim for the attention of all Sibelians.

-- David Hurwitz, ClassicsToday.com