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Background

• Written between 1898 and 1899.
• First performed on 26 April 1899 by the Helsinki Orchestral Society, conducted by the composer.
• Revised version first performed in Berlin by the Helsinki Philharmonic, conducted by Robert Kajanus on 1 July 1900.
• Widely praised as a thrilling fusion of Tchaikovsky-esque Romanticism and Nordic melancholy, with its clarinet-led opening over rumbling timpani evolving into a passionate, stormy narrative.

Recordings

• The Complete Symphonies, Orchestral Works
  Hallé Orchestra
  Cond. Sir John Barbirolli · Warner Classics

• Symphonies 1–7
  Orchestre de Paris
  Cond. Paavo Järvi · RCA
  International Classical Music Magazine (2019): Nominee Symphonic Music
  Opus Klassik Awards (2019): Winner Conductor of the Year
  Presto Recordings of the Year (2019): Finalist

• The Symphonies
  Lahti Symphony Orchestra
  Cond. Okko Kamu · BIS
  BBC Music Magazine (2015): Orchestral Choice
  Presto Recording of the Week (2015)
  Presto Recordings of the Year (2015): Finalist

• The Seven Symphonies
  Wiener Philharmoniker
  Cond. Lorin Maazel · DECCA

• Sibelius
  Oslo Philharmonic
  Cond. Klaus Mäkelä · DECCA
  BBC Music Magazine (2022): Recording of the Month
  Gramophone Magazine (2022): Editor's Choice
  Gramophone Magazine (2022): Critics' Choice
  Presto Recordings of the Year (2022): Finalist
  BBC Music Magazine Awards (2023): Nominated Orchestral.
  International Classical Music Magazine Awards (2023): Nominated Symphonic Music

• Symphonies 1–7
  Berliner Philharmoniker
  Cond. Sir Simon Rattle · Berliner Philharmoniker
  International Classical Music Awards (2016): Winner Symphonic Music

• Sibelius & Saraste, The 7 Symphonies
  Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra
  Cond. Jukka-Pekka Saraste · Ondine

• Symphonies Nos 1 & 4
  Minnesota Orchestra
  Cond. Osmo Vänskä · BIS
  Grammy Awards (2013): Best Orchestral Performance
  Gramophone Magazine (2013): Editor's Choice

About Coram Deo

Coram Deo — before the face of God. This blog reflects on Scripture, world events, science, music, psychology, and the human mind — always through the lens of Christian faith. All of life is lived before the face of God.