A great final disc in the cycle but...
This latest Sibelius cycle from Sir Colin and the LSO has yielded some great performances: 3rd, 5th, 6th and 7th symphonies in particular. To this list can be added the dark and sonorous performance of the 4th on this final disc in the series. There is a live magic to all of the above symphonies that I believe will not be bettered by any other interpreter. The 1st is a different matter though and in my opinion needs a tauter conception than is given here which is just a little bit over-indulged in terms of broad tempi. Also the recording is just a little unfocused in places and is it just me or is that tuba entry in the scherzo recapitulation comically out of tune?!
