Thomas Sondergard - Sibelius: Symphony 2 Live - The Telegraph

This fascinating transitional work in Sibelius’s output starts out in true modernist fashion, gradually gathering coherence out of bits and pieces. It ends with full-blown romantic affirmation, complete with brass fanfares. Søndergård managed the transition with intelligence and tact. The opening had a beautiful lightness of touch, the solemn tread of the slow movement never became plodding, and the scherzo flashed with delicious feathery delicacy.

Finally, there came the moment in the Finale when the great brooding minor-key melody turned to major. It can sound overblown, but in Søndegård’s hands the bombast seemed radiant, and moving.