Sir Colin Davis is among the most distinguished interpreters of the music of Jean Sibelius. In this collection, he offers a variety of the Finnish composer's tone poems and other short orchestral works, ranging from the familiar--the ubiquitous 'Finlandia,' given a rousing performance here, as is the 'Karelia Suite'--to the obscure. Among the latter, 'Oceanides,' rooted in Greek mythology rather than Finnish nationalism, is one of Sibelius's most enigmatic scores and one of his least frequently encountered. From a pastoral opening, this work builds to an unexpectedly dramatic climax in Davis's hands. Also heard here is Sibelius's last major work before the more than 30 years of creative silence at the end of his life: 'Tapiola,' a depiction of the northern forests. The endpoint of the composer's striving for concision, this brooding work is derived in its entirety from the simple opening theme, which ultimately erupts in almost unbearably intense climaxes. Davis and the London Symphony deliver these high points with great drama, and are equally impressive in the subtle shading and blending of instrumental colors that is crucial to the success of this work. A picturesque reading of 'Nightride and Sunrise,' evoking galloping horses and chirping birds, completes this nicely varied program.
