I have loved this work since I was a teenager and for over 40 years it ws the only Sibelius work I listened to. I have since learned to appreciate much more of Sibelius but it remains my favorite. Very deeply appreciate your posting this excellent performance.
"Dark, but with pastoral contrasts". So says Sibelius about this symphony, even before he had started to compose it. And as I can understand, with a slightly sad voice after it was composed: "the shadows are getting longer". Mikko Franck, himself finnish, seems to have full insight in these circumstances when he is directing this wonderful music.
