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Title: Rock-solid performances in superior BIS sound
Review: Perhaps I've heard more memorable performances of some of these symphonies -- which, along with Debussy and Ravel's orchestral music, are my all-time favorite symphonic works -- but taken as a whole these are quite well played, with tempi reasonably judged and plenty of Sibelian atmosphere. The strings are a tad thin but have an appealing and appropriate "chill" to their sound, and the woodwinds and brass parts are persuasively characterized.As a bonus, you get BIS' wonderfully natural recorded sound, superior examples of how to properly record a symphony orchestra. If you're looking for one-stop Sibelius symphony shopping, you will be pleased with this collection.
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