How great is Sibelius?

[Musaeus]

I wonder how well members think Sibelius's symphonies and tone poems stand comparison with the other major symphonists? And which are the best? I rate them pretty highly myself

[Scott Good]

Very!

[James C. Fretz]

"I wonder how well members think Sibelius's symphonies and tone poems stand comparison with the other major symphonists? And which are the best? I rate them pretty highly myself." - Musaeus

I suppose there's always that desire to prioritize, to create list upon list, which informs human nature. At best, any list so compiled has meaning only to the author....and, in some cases (mine in particular), is subject to enormous change.

The longer I've lived, the more I've come to realize that there are but one pure black and white; but an infinite roster of grays.

A rather tedious meandering whose purpose is to point out that anyone can 'rate' Sibelius using his/her personal criteria; but that is certainly not Dogma. As they say, "Your mileage may vary."

Personally, Sibelius doesn't speak to me quite as forcefully as Mahler or Bruckner. I continue on the journey, though. There was a time (and not in the too distant past) that I felt similarly challenged by a Bruckner symphony. Never say NEVER.

[Scott Good]

Originally Posted by James C. Fretz

"I wonder how well members think Sibelius's symphonies and tone poems stand comparison with the other major symphonists? And which are the best? I rate them pretty highly myself." - Musaeus

I suppose there's always that desire to prioritize, to create list upon list, which informs human nature. At best, any list so compiled has meaning only to the author....and, in some cases (mine in particular), is subject to enormous change.

The longer I've lived, the more I've come to realize that there are but one pure black and white; but an infinite roster of grays.

A rather tedious meandering whose purpose is to point out that anyone can 'rate' Sibelius using his/her personal criteria; but that is certainly not Dogma. As they say, "Your mileage may vary."

Personally, Sibelius doesn't speak to me quite as forcefully as Mahler or Bruckner. I continue on the journey, though. There was a time (and not in the too distant past) that I felt similarly challenged by a Bruckner symphony. Never say NEVER.

great post.

There is something about the 4th Symphony that for me, is such a unique statement - so very personal. It is full of restraint, yet flourishes abundantly for brief moments.

I'd recommend a quiet evening, with a glass of red, candle light. Perhaps read a bit of melancholy poetry. Then have a listen. I'm a big fan of Berlin's recording with Karajan. I think this would provide for a great listening experience.

S

[Héctor]

The monument was designed by Eila Hiltunen and unveiled on September 7, 1967. Originally it sparked a lively debate about the merits and flaws of abstract art, for which reason an effigy of Sibelius was included in the work. It consists of series of more than 600 hollow steel pipes welded together in a wave-like pattern. The purpose of the artist was to capture the essence of the music of Sibelius. The monument weighs 24 tonnes (24 LT; 26 ST) and measures 8.5 × 10.5 × 6.5 metres.

[Musaeus]

ummmm....

Try as I might, I can't hearthat sculpture

To me, Sibelius is greater than Bruckner, and sometimes has more formal power, or a more developed sense of form, than Mahler.

[Scott Good]

Originally Posted by Musaeus

To me, Sibelius is greater than Bruckner, and sometimes has more formal power, or a more developed sense of form, than Mahler.

I agree. Sibelius form reminds me of Beethoven form.

S

[Musaeus]

We agree!

The person who appreciates the form of Sibelius's symphonic writing is surely on the way to salvation as far as I am concerned

That said, I really couldn't tell you much about it in detail - I hear it, that is all. Even the rather sprawling Second is a masterpiece I think.

[Musaeus]

Originally Posted by James C. Fretz

" There was a time (and not in the too distant past) that I felt similarly challenged by a Bruckner symphony. Never say NEVER.

Interesting - I am still in the challenged phase with regard to Bruckner. I even bought all his symphonies in the expectation that ownership would make me like them - but it doesn't. I don't exactly dislike them either.....

[Quijote]

Originally Posted by Musaeus

I wonder how well members think Sibelius's symphonies and tone poems stand comparison with the other major symphonists? And which are the best? I rate them pretty highly myself

Talking about the symphonies in particular, I do find it difficult to answer your question about how they stand comparison with the other major symphonists simply because I don't know the criteria you might have in mind, or indeed who features on your list! Which are the best (of the Sibelius symphonies)? I have come across this question before about Beethoven, and I think there is no absolute answer to that. I have read (and I will admit, scoffed) that some people consider Beethoven's 9th to be "better" than his 1st. I think it is a nonsense to say such a thing, if I may be frank with you. In any case, I also rate the symphonies of Sibelius highly.