Immerse yourself in the timeless compositions of Jean Sibelius with "The Essential Sibelius," a meticulously curated collection of his most iconic works. Released on October 20, 2025, under the prestigious Naxos Special Projects label, this album spans a generous 2 hours and 30 minutes, offering a comprehensive journey through Sibelius's orchestral and piano masterpieces.
Featuring a diverse range of pieces, from the stirring "Finlandia" to the delicate "Valse triste," this album showcases Sibelius's unparalleled ability to evoke a spectrum of emotions through his music. The tracklist includes well-known favorites such as "The Swan of Tuonela" and "Andante festivo," as well as lesser-known gems like "No. 3 Aspen" and "No. 1, Valse lyrique." The album also features arrangements by notable artists like Aulis Sallinen and Jalas, adding a unique dimension to Sibelius's original compositions.
Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to Sibelius's work, "The Essential Sibelius" offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. The album's careful selection of pieces highlights Sibelius's evolution as a composer and his enduring influence on the classical music landscape.
2025 Naxos Records2025 Naxos Records
Tracks
III. Alla marcia: ModeratoJean Sibelius, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Pietari Inkinen
Finlandia, Op. 26Jean Sibelius, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Pietari Inkinen
III. MusetteJean Sibelius, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Pietari Inkinen
No. 3 CarillonJean Sibelius, Håvard Gimse
III. Dance of the NymphsJean Sibelius, Iceland Symphony Orchestra, Petri Sakari
III. Scherzo. AllegroJean Sibelius, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Pietari Inkinen
I. At the Castle GateJean Sibelius, Turku Philharmonic Orchestra, Leif Segerstam
No. 2, EtudeJean Sibelius, Olli Mustonen
Men min fågel märks dock icke, Op. 36 No. 2 (Arr. A. Sallinen)Jean Sibelius, Anne Sofie von Otter, Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Hannu Lintu
No. 1, Valse lyriqueJean Sibelius, Turku Philharmonic Orchestra, Leif Segerstam
No. 2, Romance (Version for Cello and Piano)Jean Sibelius, Jussi Makkonen, Rait Karm
Prelude. NocturnoJean Sibelius, Turku Philharmonic Orchestra, Leif Segerstam
III. Allegro, ma non tantoJean Sibelius, Henning Kraggerud, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Bjarte Engeset
No. 3: Kleiner WalzerJean Sibelius, Håvard Gimse
I. AllegrettoJean Sibelius, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Pietari Inkinen
Andante festivo, JS 34b (Version for string orchestra)Jean Sibelius, Capella Istropolitana, Adrian Leaper
No. 3, VenematkaJean Sibelius, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, Heikki Seppanen
No. 3 AspenJean Sibelius, Håvard Gimse
No. 1, Valse tristeJean Sibelius, Turku Philharmonic Orchestra, Jorma Panula
Humoresque No. 6 in G Minor, Op. 89dJean Sibelius, Henning Kraggerud, Dalasinfoniettan, Bjarte Engeset
IV. A Spring in the ParkJean Sibelius, Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Nicholas Collon
Kullervon valitus (Kullervo's Lament) [arr. For tenor solo and piano]Jean Sibelius, Hannu Jurmu, Jouni Somero
II. The Love SongJean Sibelius, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Pietari Inkinen
III. Poco vivace -Jean Sibelius, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Pietari Inkinen
No. 1, MazurkaJean Sibelius, Pekka Kuusisto, Heini Kärkkäinen
Andantino. Harpan tystnar ett ögonblick och tar så upp en ny melodiJean Sibelius, Turku Philharmonic Orchestra, Leif Segerstam
I. Intermezzo. ModeratoJean Sibelius, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Pietari Inkinen
Impromptu No. 5 in B MinorJean Sibelius, Håvard Gimse
No. 2, Valse romantique, Op. 62bJean Sibelius, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Pietari Inkinen
VIII. The Death of MelisandeJean Sibelius, Turku Philharmonic Orchestra, Leif Segerstam
III. Allegro molto - Largamente assaiJean Sibelius, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Pietari Inkinen
No. 4, Was It a Dream? (Arr. J. Jalas for Voice & Orchestra)Jean Sibelius, Soile Isokoski, Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, Leif Segerstam
IV. Kullervo Goes to BattleJean Sibelius, Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Hannu Lintu
II. The Swan of TuonelaJean Sibelius, Hannu Lintu, Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra
Processional, Op. 113 No. 6 (Version for Orchestra)Jean Sibelius, Turku Philharmonic Orchestra, Leif Segerstam
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