Tapiola
Jean Sibelius
Op. 112
Recordings
Top Choice
Lorin Maazel / Vienna Philharmonic
1968 Fantastic sound (playing and recording). Coupled with Symphonies 4 & 7.Top choice. Great atmosphere; a shimmering, icy, stark atmosphere that makes you feel like you're in the forest. Great mystery and very exciting.
Also Worth Hearing
Sir Thomas Beecham / Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
1955 Early stereo.Beecham has that magic quality of bringing out the evocative qualities. Very beautiful, lush, and has that 'Beecham magic'.
Sir Thomas Beecham / Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
1946 Dutton remastering, amazingly cleaned up for its time.His best recorded Tapiola may be the '55, but this one has more intensity and drama. A fantastic Tapiola. Don't be afraid of the sound.
Robert Kajanus / London Symphony Orchestra
1932 Fairly clear sound, can hear string lushness.A pioneering champion of Sibelius. A really intense, evocative recording. The storm at the end has never sounded so menacing. Worth seeking out.