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Sibelius Cycle--Sir Colin Davis with London Symphony Orchestra

8K views 18 replies 14 participants last post by  Kiki  
The Davis LSO live cycle has the dullest Sibelius 2nd I've ever heard. It was bad enough that I stayed away from the rest of the cycle. So, I can't comment on the cycle as a whole.

On the other hand, I recall that the RCA Davis LSO studio cycle received excellent reviews years ago. & I believe that's the one you're asking about.

Personally, I prefer Paavo Berglund's Bournemouth Sibelius cycle from the 1970s, as well as Berglund's live London Philharmonic recordings from the Barbican to what I've heard of Davis's Sibelius. I'd also opt for the Sibelius cycles by Okko Kamu, Sir Alexander Gibson (on Chandos), & Leif Segerstam's two cycles, as well.

For me, Davis was at his best in the music of Haydn, Mozart, Berlioz, & Brahms.