Jean Sibelius, The Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra, Neeme Järvi ‎– Symphonies Nos. 1 And 2 / Romance In C Major / Finlandia [Double LP] [Gatefold]

• Label: Musical Heritage Society ‎ MHS 827405K
  
• Country: United States
• Released: n/a
• Genre/Style: Classical
• Grade LP: (EX) Sleeve: (VG)

Sibelius started work on his Symphony No. 1 in E minor, Op. 39, in 1898 and completed it in early 1899, when he was 33. The work was first performed on 26 April 1899 by the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by the composer, in an original, well received version which has not survived. After the premiere, Sibelius made some revisions, resulting in the version performed today. The revision was completed in the spring and summer of 1900, and was first performed in Berlin by the Helsinki Philharmonic, conducted by Robert Kajanus on 18 July 1900.The symphony begins with a highly original, rather forlorn clarinet solo backed by subdued timpani

His Second Symphony, the most popular and most frequently recorded of his symphonies, was first performed by the Helsinki Philharmonic Society on 8 March 1902, with the composer conducting. The opening chords with their rising progression provide a motif for the whole work. The heroic theme of the finale with the three-tone motif is interpreted by the trumpets rather than the original woodwinds. During a period of Russian oppression, it consolidated Sibelius's reputation as a national hero. After the first performance, Sibelius made some changes, leading to a revised version which was given its first performance by Armas Järnefelt on 10 November 1903 in Stockholm