Thomas Sondergard - Sibelius: Symphonies 2 & 7 - Limelight

Having previously encountered Thomas Søndergård's fine work on the Dacapo label I have high hopes for this projected cycle of Sibelius Symphonies on Linn, which should appeal to those who like their Sibelius cool, crisp and bracing.

Tempi are swift while phrasing is thankfully free of mannerisms. Textures and sonority are clear and limpid but not overly refined so essential Sibelian cragginess is retained. The first movement of the Second is beautifully judged with its pulsating chords ideally weighted, but the second movement is too matter-of-fact, his reluctance to take a breath robs the piece of narrative flow. The Scherzo whizzes along...When it arrives the finale is splendid, despite reticent trumpets.

The early pages of the Seventh can meander in slack hands. Sondergard's firm grip keeps it to the point, steering it home with a sense of inevitability. The BBC NOW play superbly for their new chief with strings really digging in. Those strings are well captured, but the recording, while marvellously transparent at the front of the orchestra is a little blurred at the rear. While I admire the cut and thrust, Søndergård's avoidance of grand rhetorical gesture and atmospherics misses out on some of the sensuality and splendour -but that may well suit your palate.