Royal Philharmonic Orchestra / Owain Arwel Hughes Sibelius: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 3 CD

This recording from Owain Arwel Hughes and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra is the first in a cycle of all seven of Sibelius's symphonies. Symphony No.1, from 1899, is coupled with No.3, from 1907. Although bound by classical conventions, and the influence of Tchaikovsky, No.1 displays a remarkable and striking independence of thought. No.3 shows the composer making the transition from the large-scale symphonic structures of the first two symphonies to the more compact, tightly argued symphonies that followed.

1. Sibelius: Symphony No.1 in E minor Op.39 - Andante Ma Non Troppo 2. Sibelius: Symphony No.1 in E minor Op.39 - II Andante 3. Sibelius: Symphony No.1 in E minor Op.39 - III Scherzo 4. Sibelius: Symphony No.1 in E minor Op.39 - IV Finale: (Quasi Una Fantasia) 5. Sibelius: Symphony No.3 in C Major Op.52 - I Allegro Moderato 6. Sibelius: Symphony No.3 in C Major Op.52 - II Andantino Con Moto, Quasi Allegretto 7. Sibelius: Symphony No.3 in C Major Op.52 - III Moderato