Saraste conducts Sibelius: Symphony No. 2

Jukka-Pekka Saraste’s critically praised Sibelius cycle with the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra continues with the composer’s stirring Second Symphony, a work that begins with pastoral calm and swells to a mighty hymn of sorrow and triumph. Originally begun during a stay in Italy in 1901 and completed a year later, the work was premiered by this very orchestra on 8 March 1902. Though a public triumph, it initially divided critical opinion before eventually gaining universal admiration. Now it is one of the composer’s best-loved works and a piece that, as here, exerts a truly elemental power over the listener.

Ensemble: 

Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra

Conductor: 

Jukka-Pekka Saraste