Jean Sibelius: Symphony No.1 in E minor, Op. 39

4 July 2026

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

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

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