Sibelius: Symphony No. 4 - The Wood Nymph - Valse Triste

“… In Rouvali’s hands, with committed playing from the Gothenburg Symphony, the piece (The Wood Nymph] sounds very exciting and is well worth a listen, in keeping with En Saga and the Lemminkäinen Suite. We are eased home with the comforting familiarity of Vale triste, where Rouvali’s magic touch continues to weave in an unexpectedly mysterious mood… Alpha’s recorded sound is excellent.”

“… The Gothenburg orchestra plays well in all the works. I especially liked the weight of their dark, burnished string tone in the symphony; but the whole disc is smartly done.”

“… Full marks for endeavour to Santuu-Matias Rouvali and the Gothenburg Symphony … with fine playing throughout … Excellent sound.”

Performance *****      Recording *****

“… It’s a strong Fourth, worthy of comparison with the best, but the performance of The Wood Nymph is simply the best to appear so far, Symphonic drive and storytelling are balanced magnificently throughout, right up to the opulently grim ending. Early Sibelius it may be, but it’s gripping, atmospheric and utterly unique… Everything is beautifully recorded by Alpha Classics too.”

Choc du Classica