Sir John Barbirolli was one of the greatest conductors of the twentieth century and for my money, the star performer amongst the English conductors of the 1960'and 70's. I think he was a humble man, and if he could answer me with his 'down to earth' London accent he would be shy at accepting my special accolades. As a New Zealand music student at the Guildhall School in the sixties, Barbarolli 'turned me on' to Bruckner and Carl Neilsen when the Halle came to town. I remember his performances of Sibelius's Second Symphony; a special piece of his, and his way with Bruckner and Mahler. Looking back, I have the memory of attending some of his most memorable performances, and of that fletting moment when I shook his hand. Thank you, Sir John.
Thank you for your interesting reminiscences of Sir John. Memories for a life time. He must have had a grea influence on your own conducting and musicianship.
One of the greatest performances of Sibelius Symphony No. 2. The Chesky CD also has the advantage of exceptional stereophonic sound and when it is played through a high end stereo system the effect is jaw-dropping.
Remember listening to this on a Cassette tape on my sony Walkman years ago my first first time I listened to sibelios was this symphony and I liked it very much sir John Barbirolli conductor
It makes me so happy to see other people who love Sibelius praise Sir John's performance. His broad tempos and long line suit this music perfectly for me. Further confirmation of this approach can be heard by Sibelius himself conducting his Andante Festivo, which I find very moving. So great to see people love this man's great compositions.
My first ever live hearing of this Symphony was at King's Lynn Festival, St Nicholas' Chapel the Halle Orchestra and Sir John... My local Doctor saw me and took me along to the hotel to meet Sir J and mebers of the orchestra.... I was struck dumb and decided that I must find a hat like his...... that Music makes me cry every time I hear it... Some where I have a tape of an interview with Sibelius. He was asked who plays his music the "best".... His reply..."The English." Barbirolli was actually Italian - French I believe.... but born in London.... Having some Italian blood I suspect that that is why I like his music so much.
Llevo 45 años escuchando esta sinfonía con el mismo fervor y la misma gratitud. Barbirolli hizo un gran trabajo tapándose los oídos y leyendo la partitura.
It's as if no other conductor was wearing his or her glasses when he/she read this score. This was a revelation. I've read it over and again but never imagined it could sound like this.
I have enjoyed this recording because Sir John Barbirolli studied the music of Jean Sibelius and perfected its tonal quality and experience. Bravo to a great Maestro.
I once had a 3 day road trip with the only option I had brought to listen to was sibelius no 2. Only it was from a recording from the 90s. I memorized that puppy. Then I heard this on the radio 2 days ago. I was SO impressed at the differences between recordings, I considered this to be superior, exciting, fun, and more intellectual. I loved this discovery!
This is the famous LP recording by Charles Gerhardt in 1962. Barbirolli's mother had died 3 days before the recording. One of the best recordings in the history of recorded music. It is said Barbirolli "owned" this symphony, like Bernstein owned the Mahler 2nd and Wilhelm Furtwangler owned the "Beethoven 9th". Check out Gerhardt's recording of the Howard Hanson Symphony #2. It was used in the movie "Alien".
Thanks for reminding me of the Howard Hanson #2. The overwhelming sensation of relief experienced by moviegoers once Ripley finished off the xenomorph was enhanced by Hanson's romantic movement from his #2.
The best Sibelius Second Symphony for ever and ever. This record was launched at first time by The Reader's Digest (believe or not!) in te Sixties. Now, Chesky Brothers of New York bring It to us for the second time. Sorry for my por English.
I had and have that set, rather good, with also a Brahms 4 by Reiner, I think Robert Simson once called this 2nd the greatest recording ever made of an y piece ......
Edgardo, your poor English is forgiven. After all, the only language we can practice is to be silent while listening to this sublime recording of this sublime Sibelius Symphony....
Even with a Cabinet full of Sibelius 2’s there’s still room for this. The finale itself the listener stands up for the 2 rounds and takes you on thrill ride right over the edge.
@@fairplayforchildren I had that LP too! and now the Chesky CD. It is the best known version of that symphony. Here, in Argentina, those collections of Reader's Digest and "Selecciones" (Spanish version of the magazine) were produced. All those boxes of records were great. It took You seven years to respond to me... Ha ha!
This is the first recording of Sibelius 2nd that I can remember listening to. And It's the standard that I come back to, I think that the tempi need to be broad, expansive for a greater effect. It's the dramatic, drawn-out reading of the symphony, I think it works just excellent.
🙂 Yes the music of sibelious Hi Colin here yes Me to this was the first piece of classical music from sibelious i listened to. A very grand work indeed
I had a second-hand copy of the LP - blue cover - and John's recording of the Karelia with the Halle to introduce me to Sibelius. I am also very fond of Karajan's Finlandia and 5th symphony recordings from the 1960s.
Now I know I've buyed the wrong recording of this symphony with Barbirolli: This Chesky recording is much, much better as the recording on HMV which is disappointning. This is surely one of the best recordings of this work ever.
He must have been in love with Finland able to do Sibelius like that! I heard from some colleagues that he smelled whisky already the reheasals when conducting the Helsinki Philharmonic in those times;)
Recorded by Decca's Kenneth Wilkinson (Kingsway Hall?) on the day of Barbirolli's mother's death, hence the stupendous emotional voltage, even by Barbirolli's highly-impassioned standards.
That explains why the sound is so good - Wilkinson was one of the best recording engineers ever and was responsible for many of Decca's now legendary recordings from the 60's.
I was never a fan of Barbirolli but I have to admit this 2nd. of Sibelius is quite remarkable. It still lacks the "freezing wind" brought in by Kubelik but gives a performance quite real and direct. Thank you.
One of my three favorite recordings of this symphony. The others are George Szell with the Concertgebouw Orchestra of Amsterdam and the third one is with Okko Kamu and the Berlin Philharmonic.
Barbirolli's other recording of this symphony, on EMI, is the one I prefer very slightly over this one. The interpretations are practically identical, but I feel more heart in the orchestral playing if, admittedly, the Hallé is technically not a match for the Royal Philharmonic here, which plays outstandingly well, especially for Sibelius which has many quite tricky passages. I love Okko Kamu's reading as well, Szell's somewhat less so but nonetheless very much.
My all-time favorite Sibelius 2 is Barbirolli's earlier recording with the New York Philharmonic. Most people think it's too fast, but I think it makes Sibelius 2 feel like one of his later pieces, and puts the 'freezing wind' as Mr. da Costa puts it better than any other performance I've ever heard
I was introduced to the Anthony Collins cycle of the Sibelius symphonies with the LSO (from the mid-1950s) when they came out on CDs for the first time in the early 1990s. They're high on my list.
It's quite interesting how he molded the German folksong "Es klappert die Mühle am rauschenden Bach" into this symphonic work. Anyone else who recognized it?
One test for this symphony comes here at 3:10 - a climactic moment - and Barbirolli rushes into it, blurs it and hurries off... much like this comment.
nothing but your private and not very well informed opinion. did Sibelius asked or hinted for any ritenuto there? no, he didn't. it's just how you got used to hearing it.
![Sibelius: Symphony No. 2 [Karajan]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/WFfbXvJXimg/mqdefault.jpg)
Allegretto 0:00
Tempo andante, ma rubato 10:10
Vivacissimo 24:35
Finale: Allegro moderato 30:35
Sir John Barbirolli was one of the greatest conductors of the twentieth century and for my money, the star performer amongst the English conductors of the 1960'and 70's. I think he was a humble man, and if he could answer me with his 'down to earth' London accent he would be shy at accepting my special accolades. As a New Zealand music student at the Guildhall School in the sixties, Barbarolli 'turned me on' to Bruckner and Carl Neilsen when the Halle came to town. I remember his performances of Sibelius's Second Symphony; a special piece of his, and his way with Bruckner and Mahler. Looking back, I have the memory of attending some of his most memorable performances, and of that fletting moment when I shook his hand. Thank you, Sir John.
lucky man !!
Thank you for your interesting reminiscences of Sir John. Memories for a life time. He must have had a grea influence on your own conducting and musicianship.
One of the greatest performances of Sibelius Symphony No. 2. The Chesky CD also has the advantage of exceptional stereophonic sound and when it is played through a high end stereo system the effect is jaw-dropping.
Remember listening to this on a Cassette tape on my sony Walkman years ago my first first time I listened to sibelios was this symphony and I liked it very much sir John Barbirolli conductor
I really love the photograph on the cover. I've been staring at it for ages. Any one else?
シベ２は、この演奏が一番好き
The best version of Sebelius 2nd Symphony I've ever heard . Thank you Sir John Barbirolli
It makes me so happy to see other people who love Sibelius praise Sir John's performance. His broad tempos and long line suit this music perfectly for me. Further confirmation of this approach can be heard by Sibelius himself conducting his Andante Festivo, which I find very moving. So great to see people love this man's great compositions.
My first ever live hearing of this Symphony was at King's Lynn Festival, St Nicholas' Chapel the Halle Orchestra and Sir John... My local Doctor saw me and took me along to the hotel to meet Sir J and mebers of the orchestra.... I was struck dumb and decided that I must find a hat like his...... that Music makes me cry every time I hear it...
Some where I have a tape of an interview with Sibelius. He was asked who plays his music the "best".... His reply..."The English." Barbirolli was actually Italian - French I believe.... but born in London.... Having some Italian blood I suspect that that is why I like his music so much.
Saw him also with Halle at Cheltenham doing this, I was gripping the programme throughout and it was pulped at the end
Llevo 45 años escuchando esta sinfonía con el mismo fervor y la misma gratitud. Barbirolli hizo un gran trabajo tapándose los oídos y leyendo la partitura.
wonderfull!
It's as if no other conductor was wearing his or her glasses when he/she read this score. This was a revelation. I've read it over and again but never imagined it could sound like this.
This was a mighty performance. Barbirolli clearly knew his Sibelius.
I wish I could hear this again for the first time. It's so amazing.
There are many superb versions of this wonderful symphony but I have, over the years, come to look upon Sir John as the man for the job!
I have enjoyed this recording because Sir John Barbirolli studied the music of Jean Sibelius and perfected its tonal quality and experience. Bravo to a great Maestro.
I once had a 3 day road trip with the only option I had brought to listen to was sibelius no 2.
Only it was from a recording from the 90s.
I memorized that puppy. Then I heard this on the radio 2 days ago. I was SO impressed at the differences between recordings, I considered this to be superior, exciting, fun, and more intellectual.
I loved this discovery!
YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The best number two ever...
Better than the EMI version with the Hallé.
So sensitive so raffined
This is the famous LP recording by Charles Gerhardt in 1962. Barbirolli's mother had died 3 days before the recording. One of the best recordings in the history of recorded music. It is said Barbirolli "owned" this symphony, like Bernstein owned the Mahler 2nd and Wilhelm Furtwangler owned the "Beethoven 9th". Check out Gerhardt's recording of the Howard Hanson Symphony #2. It was used in the movie "Alien".
Thanks for reminding me of the Howard Hanson #2. The overwhelming sensation of relief experienced by moviegoers once Ripley finished off the xenomorph was enhanced by Hanson's romantic movement from his #2.
Un grand merci pour cette magnifique performance. Barbirolli est remarquable (comme dans ses enregistrements des symphonies de Mahler)
The best Sibelius Second Symphony for ever and ever. This record was launched at first time by The Reader's Digest (believe or not!) in te Sixties. Now, Chesky Brothers of New York bring It to us for the second time. Sorry for my por English.
I had and have that set, rather good, with also a Brahms 4 by Reiner, I think Robert Simson once called this 2nd the greatest recording ever made of an
y piece ......
Edgardo, your poor English is forgiven. After all, the only language we can practice is to be silent while listening to this sublime recording of this sublime Sibelius Symphony....
Masterpiece
Besser geht es nicht!
Stimmt
doch, von Leonard Bernstein dirigiert.
The greatest symphony (ahead of Beethoven's 7th), and with the best conductor for it (as with the Halle orchestra too)
Even with a Cabinet full of Sibelius 2’s there’s still room for this. The finale itself the listener stands up for the 2 rounds and takes you on thrill ride right over the edge.
The Best Sibelius Second Symphony! Before published for Reader's Digest Records and then by Chesky Brothers of New York.
I have that RD version from that time
@@fairplayforchildren I had that LP too! and now the Chesky CD. It is the best known version of that symphony.
Here, in Argentina, those collections of Reader's Digest and "Selecciones" (Spanish version of the magazine) were produced.
All those boxes of records were great.
It took You seven years to respond to me... Ha ha!
only saw the you tube a few days back @@edgardoluciocrocetta2437
This is the first recording of Sibelius 2nd that I can remember listening to. And It's the standard that I come back to, I think that the tempi need to be broad, expansive for a greater effect. It's the dramatic, drawn-out reading of the symphony, I think it works just excellent.
🙂 Yes the music of sibelious Hi Colin here yes Me to this was the first piece of classical music from sibelious i listened to. A very grand work indeed
1 of my lifetime favorites thanks so much.
😆Beautiful 😆
I had a second-hand copy of the LP - blue cover - and John's recording of the Karelia with the Halle to introduce me to Sibelius. I am also very fond of Karajan's Finlandia and 5th symphony recordings from the 1960s.
Mto bom disco
The best
Now I know I've buyed the wrong recording of this symphony with Barbirolli: This Chesky recording is much, much better as the recording on HMV which is disappointning. This is surely one of the best recordings of this work ever.
Exactly right. The Chesky CD is stereophile quality.
He must have been in love with Finland able to do Sibelius like that! I heard from some colleagues that he smelled whisky already the reheasals when conducting the Helsinki Philharmonic in those times;)
Okko Kamu and the Berlin Philharmonic are both chilling and sensuous
Recorded by Decca's Kenneth Wilkinson (Kingsway Hall?) on the day of Barbirolli's mother's death, hence the stupendous emotional voltage, even by Barbirolli's highly-impassioned standards.
he dedicated it to her memory
I believe the whole set was recorded in Walthamstow Town Hall. A magic 12 LP set now all available through Chesky.
That explains why the sound is so good - Wilkinson was one of the best recording engineers ever and was responsible for many of Decca's now legendary recordings from the 60's.
I was never a fan of Barbirolli but I have to admit this 2nd. of Sibelius is quite remarkable. It still lacks the "freezing wind" brought in by Kubelik but gives a performance quite real and direct. Thank you.
Kubelik in Sibelius?
I don't think Kubelik ever recorded this symphony.
A lovely rendition, but I can't believe anyone would interrupt such a beautiful piece of music with a loud discordant advertising
It's how TH-cam makes money. You can subscribe to TH-cam Premium and avoid the advertising. Worth the subscription fee, IMO.
WTF why a picture from Norway? Don't they have google at Chesky?
One of my three favorite recordings of this symphony. The others are George Szell with the Concertgebouw Orchestra of Amsterdam and the third one is with Okko Kamu and the Berlin Philharmonic.
Barbirolli's other recording of this symphony, on EMI, is the one I prefer very slightly over this one. The interpretations are practically identical, but I feel more heart in the orchestral playing if, admittedly, the Hallé is technically not a match for the Royal Philharmonic here, which plays outstandingly well, especially for Sibelius which has many quite tricky passages. I love Okko Kamu's reading as well, Szell's somewhat less so but nonetheless very much.
My all-time favorite Sibelius 2 is Barbirolli's earlier recording with the New York Philharmonic. Most people think it's too fast, but I think it makes Sibelius 2 feel like one of his later pieces, and puts the 'freezing wind' as Mr. da Costa puts it better than any other performance I've ever heard
I was introduced to the Anthony Collins cycle of the Sibelius symphonies with the LSO (from the mid-1950s) when they came out on CDs for the first time in the early 1990s. They're high on my list.
Okko Kamu and the Berlin Philharmonic are both chilling and sensuous
@@etucker82 It IS a great performance indeed - but, of course the sound quality....
It's quite interesting how he molded the German folksong "Es klappert die Mühle am rauschenden Bach" into this symphonic work. Anyone else who recognized it?
"Klipp, Klapp!"
Hahaha genau!
please, where can I buy this perfect execution?
It was reissued on CD by Testament. Copies still available.
Amazon.
1:09 - mvmt1 excerpt
(For my own purposes :) lovely recording!)
Versión Excp.
36:58
Why the ads?! Most annoying
It's how TH-cam makes money. You can subscribe to TH-cam Premium and avoid the advertising. Worth the subscription fee, IMO.
Zu schleppend, er nimmt mit seinem langsamen Tempo die Spannung aus diesem Meisterwerk.
One test for this symphony comes here at 3:10 - a climactic moment - and Barbirolli rushes into it, blurs it and hurries off... much like this comment.
nothing but your private and not very well informed opinion. did Sibelius asked or hinted for any ritenuto there? no, he didn't. it's just how you got used to hearing it.
The recorded sound is a little too edgy and bright (especially with the horns) to be an unqualified recommendation.
Sir sir sir sir sir. So pretentious. Cant you all just for ONCE not say it ?
Disappointing